Mauritz Kop Keynote Speaker at Quantum Governance Workshop at Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
Phoenix, Arizona— On May 15, 2024, the Center for Law, Science & Innovation at Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law hosted a timely Workshop on Quantum Governance, bringing together a diverse group of experts to chart a course for the responsible development of quantum technologies. Mauritz Kop, Founding Director of the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology, delivered the keynote address, setting the tone for a day of critical and forward-looking discussions.
Hosted at ASU's Beus Center for Law and Society in beautiful Phoenix, the workshop provided an ideal academic setting for this crucial conversation. ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law is renowned for its focus on the intersection of law, science, and innovation, making it a natural hub for exploring the complex governance challenges presented by quantum's second revolution.
Mauritz Kop Keynote Speaker at Quantum Governance Workshop at Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
Kop's Keynote: Towards Responsible Quantum Technology Governance
In his keynote address, Mauritz Kop presented a comprehensive vision for establishing robust governance frameworks before quantum technology becomes widely integrated into society. He argued that the world must proactively prevent the missteps seen in the governance of previous transformative technologies like artificial intelligence, genetics, and nuclear power.
Kop's talk, "Towards Responsible Quantum Technology Governance," articulated the profound dual-use nature of the field. He detailed the immense potential benefits, from enhancing medical imaging and accelerating drug discovery to mitigating climate change and improving macroeconomic policy-making. Simultaneously, he outlined the significant risks, including the "Q-Day" threat to global cybersecurity, the potential for a new quantum arms race, and the dangers of misuse by authoritarian regimes for mass surveillance.
Central to his address was the framework for Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT) developed by his interdisciplinary group at Stanford. He explained that RQT integrates ethical, legal, socio-economic, and policy implications (Quantum-ELSPI) directly into the research and development lifecycle. Kop operationalized this framework through the "10 Principles for Responsible Quantum Innovation," which are organized into three key pillars: Safeguarding against risks, Engaging diverse stakeholders, and Advancing the technology for societal good (the 'SEA' framework). This approach, he argued, provides a practical compass for navigating the trade-offs between innovation, national security, and universal human rights.
Learning from AI, Biosciences, and Nanotech
A core theme of the workshop, championed by host Professor Gary Marchant, was the importance of drawing lessons from the governance of prior technological waves. Professor Marchant, a leading scholar in the governance of emerging technologies, and other speakers presented valuable analyses of the successes and failures in regulating fields like biotechnology, nanotechnology, and AI.
This historical perspective is critical. By understanding how past governance models succeeded or failed, policymakers can avoid reactive, ad-hoc regulation for quantum. The workshop emphasized building a more mature, anticipatory governance model that is agile, evidence-based, and capable of adapting to the rapid pace of quantum innovation.
A Synergy of Interdisciplinary Expertise
The workshop's strength lay in its rich diversity of speakers. The agenda featured experts from law, computer science, government, and industry, ensuring a holistic and multifaceted discussion. Presentations from Kaniah Konkoly-Thege of Quantinuum on regulatory developments, Jeffery Atik of Loyola Law School on antitrust implications, Royal "Aubrey" Davis of the United States Air Force Academy on historical approaches to transformative technologies, and Megan Wagner & Sarah Wastek from Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law on Governance Lessons from Nanotechnology, among others, created a vibrant intellectual exchange. This collaborative environment is essential for developing governance solutions that are not only technically sound but also legally robust and ethically grounded.
A Lasting Contribution: The Workshop Paper
A significant outcome of this collaborative event is the group-authored paper, "Learning From Emerging Technology Governance for Guiding Quantum Technology," which is available on SSRN here: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4923230. The paper synthesizes the insights and discussions from the workshop, providing a comprehensive roadmap for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers. It serves as a durable and influential contribution to the global dialogue on quantum governance, outlining actionable strategies for fostering innovation while ensuring safety, equity, and accountability.
As the world stands at the cusp of the quantum age, initiatives like the ASU Quantum Governance Workshop are indispensable. By fostering deep, interdisciplinary collaboration and learning from the past, these forums are paving the way for a future where the immense power of quantum technology is steered responsibly for the benefit of all.