Emerging deep tech technologies, such as quantum, AI, biotechnology, have become critical factors in the global geopolitical rivalry on political, military and economic power through technology supremacy: Hence the need for diplomacy to understand better these new technologies and their implications for international relations. The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025 proclaimed by the United Nations provides a perfect opportunity for broad stakeholder discussions and joint reflections in order to understand quantum technology better, anticipate policy responses and build quantum- ready societies. This is why the Austrian Foreign Ministry, together with the Austrian Excellence Cluster Quantum Austria (QuantA) and the Innsbruck Quantum Ethics Lab of the University of Innsbruck have joined forces to provide a multistakeholder and multidisciplinary platform for analysis and discussion of the multiple dimensions of technologies from a holistic and comprehensive foreign and security policy perspective. The technical capabilities of quantum technologies have the potential to offer benefits to our economies and societies but also harbour some serious ethical, societal, technological, peace and security as well as human rights risks. While still in their early stages of development – and thus (partly) far from hitting the commercial markets – it is crucial to anticipate possible benefits and risks and reflect on possible governance principles in order
to guide the responsible development and application of quantum technology and to harness its positive transformative potential for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The #TechDiplomacyTalk: “Introduction to Quantum#TechDiplomacy – Geopolitics, Innovation, Governance and Ethics” purports to introduce the main dimensions of quantum technologies from a foreign and security policy perspective, as it will be further expounded in deep dives in further talks. It will include a discussion of the geopolitical dimension, the security dimension, in terms of both the implications for peace and security, the military and defence sector and cybersecurity. It will also provide a first understanding of the transformational potential for industries, innovation and start-up ecosystems followed by an enquiry into the challenges of market development and commercialisation. Finally, it will look into the question of governance and ethics, providing an overview of current governance initiatives.
How to register
Send an e-mail for online participation or in person participation.
You can access the live stream here.
