Mauritz Kop Expert at Eric Schmidt backed von Neumann Commission
Stanford, CA – Mauritz Kop, the Frm. Founding Executive Director of the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT), has accepted an invitation to serve as an expert on The von Neumann Commission. The announcement, made on February 1, 2025, positions Kop to contribute to a critical global dialogue at the intersection of quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and grand strategy. The Oxford-based, independent research commission is backed by the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation and other key institutions.
Mauritz Kop appointed Expert at Eric Schmidt backed von Neumann Commission on Quantum-AI Geostrategy
The Commission is tasked with the mission to investigate the prospects of quantum computing to accelerate artificial intelligence and to examine the implications of this acceleration for strategic competition in the 21st century. As quantum computing emerges from the realm of theory into practical application, its capacity to solve certain mathematical calculations exponentially faster than any classical computer promises to be a transformative force. In a world already grappling with intense competition for leadership in AI, the development of quantum capabilities is not merely a scientific pursuit—it is a matter of grand strategy and a vital strategic resource.
The von Neumann Commission’s inquiry will be multifaceted, addressing the core technical prospects for quantum acceleration, its strategic implications for the global balance of power, the risks to strategic stability, and the necessary governance frameworks to ensure responsible development. The Commission's investigation is set against the backdrop of a new technological paradigm—the convergence of quantum and AI—and is informed by the historical legacy of its namesake, the strategic vision of its sponsors, and the vital perspectives of its experts.
The Commission's Research Programme: Four White Papers
To structure its investigation, the von Neumann Commission's work is organized into a series of foundational white papers that build upon one another:
1. The Case for a Quantum Acceleration of Artificial Intelligence: The first paper will establish the theoretical and practical case for quantum computing as a significant accelerator for AI and machine learning. It will survey the current state of the art and map future trajectories, providing the essential technical groundwork for the Commission's strategic analysis.
2. The Contemporary State of Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence Capabilities: The second paper will provide a comparative analysis of how different global powers are developing their sovereign quantum capabilities. This investigation will contrast national strategies, examine public and private investment levels, and assess other key indicators of technological progress and strategic priority.
3. The Grand Strategic Implications and Recommended Policy Responses: Synthesizing the findings of the first two papers, the third installment will analyze the grand strategic implications of quantum-accelerated AI through 2050. It will consider various scenarios and conclude with a suite of recommended policies for governments seeking to establish a strategic advantage in their quantum capabilities.
4. The Implications for Society: The fourth paper, to be developed in collaboration with The Aspen Institute's Science & Society Program, will explore the broader societal impacts of quantum-accelerated AI. While its precise contents are still being defined, this work will extend beyond grand strategy to address the wider social, ethical, and economic consequences of this technological shift.
The Quantum-AI Convergence: A New Technological Paradigm
At the heart of the von Neumann Commission's inquiry is the powerful synergy between quantum computing and artificial intelligence. This convergence is not merely additive; it is a cross-pollination that promises to redefine the boundaries of both fields. To understand this, one must first grasp the fundamental difference between classical and quantum computation.
Classical computers, from supercomputers to smartphones, process information using bits, which can exist in one of two definite states: 0 or 1. Quantum computing, by contrast, operates on the principles of quantum mechanics. It uses qubits, which can exist in a state of superposition—representing both 0 and 1 simultaneously. This property, combined with entanglement, where the state of one qubit is instantly correlated with another regardless of distance, allows quantum computers to explore a vast computational space and perform parallel calculations on an exponential scale.
This leads to a symbiotic relationship between the two technologies:
How Quantum Enhances AI: For certain classes of problems, quantum algorithms can dramatically accelerate AI and machine learning tasks. This includes optimizing complex systems, factoring large numbers (breaking classical cryptography), and searching vast datasets. The result could be more powerful AI models, breakthroughs in drug discovery and materials science, and the ability to solve optimization problems currently intractable for even the most powerful classical supercomputers.
How AI Enhances Quantum: Conversely, AI is proving essential for advancing quantum computing itself. Machine learning algorithms can be used to design better quantum hardware, calibrate sensitive qubits, discover novel quantum algorithms, and develop sophisticated error-correction codes, which are critical for overcoming the inherent instability of quantum systems and building fault-tolerant quantum computers.
This interplay manifests across a suite of quantum technologies, each with distinct capabilities:
● Quantum Computation: Using quantum processors to execute complex algorithms, directly enabling the acceleration of AI.
● Quantum Simulation: Modeling quantum-mechanical systems with a level of accuracy unattainable by classical computers, vital for fields like chemistry and materials science.
● Quantum Sensing: Employing quantum states to achieve unprecedented precision in measurement, with applications in medical imaging, navigation, and defense.
● Quantum Networking: Creating ultra-secure communication links protected by the laws of quantum physics.
● Quantum-AI Hybrids: In the near term, progress will be driven by hybrid systems where classical computers delegate the most computationally intensive tasks to quantum co-processors. These hybrids represent the most practical pathway to harnessing quantum's power for real-world applications, including AI. Examples range from quantum-LLMs to agentic quantum-AI to fault-tolerant quantum centric supercomputing.
● Fundamental Quantum Information Science: Bridging the gap between deep science and strategic policy by analyzing the technical drivers of the quantum-AI synergy. This includes expertise in how quantum algorithms can optimize machine learning models and, conversely, how AI can accelerate the development of fault-tolerant quantum hardware and error correction codes. This foundational understanding is crucial for accurately assessing timelines, capabilities, and the true nature of the strategic risks and opportunities.
John von Neumann
The Commission's namesake, John von Neumann, was a titanic figure of 20th-century science. A true polymath and intellectual godfather of Game Theory, his foundational contributions spanned mathematics, physics, computing, and economics. It is fitting that a commission examining the future of computation's societal impact bears the name of a scholar who so brilliantly navigated the frontiers of science and strategy. His work can be broadly categorized, with five achievements standing out for their pervasive impact on the modern world.
John von Neumann’s most influential contributions and their legacies are:
1. The Von Neumann Architecture: This is arguably his most enduring and ubiquitous legacy. In a 1945 paper, he outlined the design architecture for a digital computer that features a processing unit, a control unit, memory to store both data and program instructions, mass storage, and input/output mechanisms: the Von Neumann Architecture. Virtually every computer, smartphone, and digital device you have ever used is a direct descendant of this architecture. It is the fundamental blueprint for the digital age.
2. Game Theory: Together with Oskar Morgenstern, he co-authored the 1944 book Theory of Games and Economic Behavior. This work established game theory as a major field of study. Its concepts, such as the minimax theorem, have become indispensable tools in economics, political science, sociology, and evolutionary biology. His strategic insights also directly influenced Cold War policy, most notably the doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD), which is a classic example of a game-theoretic equilibrium.
3. The Manhattan Project and Nuclear Strategy: As a key consultant on the Manhattan Project, von Neumann's mathematical genius was crucial in solving the immense calculations required for the implosion-type nuclear bomb. His work determined the precise shape of the explosive lenses needed to compress the plutonium core to critical mass. His involvement extended far beyond calculation into strategic thinking about nuclear weapons and their role in post-war geopolitics.
4. Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics: In his 1932 book, Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics, von Neumann provided a rigorous mathematical framework for the then-new theory. He introduced concepts like Hilbert spaces and operator theory (now called von Neumann algebras) to formalize quantum mechanics, putting it on the solid mathematical ground it still rests upon today. This work remains essential for both theoretical physics and practical quantum computing.
5. Theory of Self-Replicating Automata: In his later years, von Neumann explored the logical requirements for a machine to reproduce itself. This theoretical work on "cellular automata" and a "universal constructor" prefigured the discovery of the structure of the DNA molecule and laid the groundwork for the fields of artificial life, complex systems, and robotics.
While the von Neumann Architecture is the legacy most physically present in our daily lives, his work on Game Theory fundamentally reshaped our understanding of strategy and human interaction. Each of these contributions was monumental in its own right, cementing his legacy as one of the chief architects of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Sponsors and Supporters
The von Neumann Commission is sponsored by the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, a philanthropic vehicle that reflects Eric Schmidt's long-standing engagement with the nexus of technology, national security, and global competition. The Fund aims to support initiatives that address complex geopolitical and technological challenges, with a focus on ensuring that the United States and its allies maintain a leading edge in critical scientific and technological domains. Its mission often involves backing non-partisan research, expert commissions, and strategic dialogues designed to generate actionable policy recommendations for decision-makers in government, industry, and academia.
The Commission's vital work is also made possible through the support of other leading institutions. These include the Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI), which investigates the political and social implications of powerful AI; the University of Oxford's Future of Humanity Institute (FHI), a multidisciplinary research institute that was instrumental in the Commission's founding; and the Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET), a policy research organization at Georgetown University. Together, this consortium of supporters provides the intellectual and financial foundation for the Commission's essential analysis.
The Entrepreneurial and Industrial Perspective
Beyond government and academia, the trajectory of quantum and AI is being shaped decisively by the private sector. The entrepreneurial ecosystem—comprising agile startups, venture capital investors, and established industrial corporations—is the primary engine for translating fundamental research into market-ready products and real-world applications. This commercialization imperative introduces a unique set of challenges and opportunities that are central to the Commission's strategic considerations. As argued in Fortune, preventing the misuse of powerful quantum-AI hybrids requires a proactive, multi-stakeholder approach to governance.
Startups are often the vanguards of innovation, but they require substantial, patient capital and face significant hurdles in navigating complex regulatory landscapes like export controls and dual-use restrictions. Established technology and defense corporations bring scale and integration capabilities but must adapt their R&D and business models to the disruptive nature of quantum-AI. Therefore, fostering robust public-private partnerships is critical for building a resilient quantum ecosystem, de-risking deep-tech investment, and accelerating the path from laboratory to market. Understanding this industrial perspective is essential for crafting policies that not only manage geostrategic risks but also cultivate a competitive and innovative commercial environment.
Mauritz Kop Joins von Neumann Commission to Shape the Geostrategic Future of Quantum-Accelerated AI
Professor Kop’s Expertise as a von Neumann Commissioner
As a Commission expert, Professor Kop will contribute a multidisciplinary perspective grounded in his extensive research on the law, ethics, societal impact, and policy of quantum and AI. Professor Kop has advised numerous governments and international organizations on their technology strategies, including the United States (notably the Department of State on its quantum foreign policy, U.S. Senators on quantum governance, and as a Guest Professor at the US Air Force Academy), Canada, the United Kingdom, and The Netherlands, as well as multilateral institutions such as the World Economic Forum (WEF), UNESCO, CERN, and the OECD. He has also provided expert guidance to the European Union on landmark AI legislation, including the EU AI Act and the Data Act. His specific contributions to The von Neumann Commission will draw from his expertise in:
● Geostrategy, Democracy, and Authoritarianism: Analyzing the strategic struggle between democratic and authoritarian models of technology governance. This includes his work in Foreign Policy and the Stanford-Vienna Transatlantic Technology Forum on forming a strategic tech alliance among democratic nations and his lectures at institutions like the Hoover Institution on the impact of quantum technologies on the global balance of power.
● Comparative Regulatory and Innovation Models: Analyzing the legal and policy differences between the US, EU, and China. His scholarship, including his "Ten principles for responsible quantum technology" in IOP Quantum Science and Technology, his “Establishing a Legal-Ethical Framework for Quantum Technology” at Yale University, and foundational articles at Harvard Berkman Klein and Nature, dissects these competing models and provides a crucial framework for navigating global strategic competition.
● China’s Quantum and AI Strategy: Providing in-depth analysis of China's legal, ethical, and policy landscape for quantum technologies. This includes evaluating the country's national strategy, its approach to dual use civil-military fusion, its influence on U.S. and E.U. national and economic security through China’s Digital Silk Road Initiative, and its comparative strengths and weaknesses in the global technology race, as analyzed in his “Towards an Atomic Agency for Quantum-AI” scholarship at the European Commission’s Futurium.
● National and Economic Security: Examining the role of export controls, rare earth and critical mineral supply chain vulnerability as published at the Stanford Program on Geopolitics, Technology, and Governance at CISAC / FSI, intellectual property law as published at Berkeley and the Max Planck Institute, and cybersecurity in managing the geostrategic dimensions of quantum technology. His work in these areas, including his contributions to forums like Tel Aviv University's Cyber Week, provides critical insights into protecting strategic assets.
● Standards and Governance: Contributing to the development of robust standards, certification protocols, and performance benchmarks to ensure the safety, reliability, and ethical implementation of these powerful technologies, drawing from lessons from nuclear governance, and from his conferences and seminars at Stanford, Fordham Law, Arizona State, Copenhagen, the Center for Quantum Networks (CQN) and the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) in Waterloo.
By integrating these insights, Kop will aid the Commission in formulating a holistic understanding of the challenges pertaining to systemic rivalry and great power competition ahead.
The Need for a New Philosophic Vision and Governance for Quantum-AI
The work of the von Neumann Commission is taking place at a decisive moment in history. As we approach what could be considered a "Quantum Event Horizon"—a point of technological discontinuity beyond which the future is difficult to predict—the need for proactive and visionary governance becomes paramount. The acceleration of AI by quantum computing is not merely an incremental advancement; it is a foundational shift that challenges our existing legal, economic, and social paradigms.
This new reality demands more than just technical regulation. It necessitates a new "Ethics in the Quantum Age" and a fundamental re-evaluation of our societal institutions and philosophies. As explored in Kop's work on "Abundance & Equality," the immense value created by these technologies raises profound questions of distributive justice. To address the existential Quantum-AI control problem, we should architect and "hardwire" our free world values directly into these systems, creating a form of "Quantum-Resistant Constitutional AI" that ensures alignment with human interests.
The stakes of this technological race are immense; the winner of the US-China race may hold the keys to the world's next operating system. Therefore, the central challenge is to design governance frameworks that not only manage geostrategic risks but also steer these powerful technologies toward outcomes that are equitable, democratic, and beneficial for all humanity. This requires planetary level thinking. Mauritz Kop's appointment to the von Neumann Commission underscores the increasing need for his integrated legal, ethical, philosophic, and strategic expertise. The task ahead is to guide the trajectory of world-changing quantum-AI technologies, ensuring they catalyze an era of shared prosperity rather than one of intensified conflict and division.