Mauritz Kop Consults UNESCO and OECD on Ethics and Quantum Technology Policy

Paris, January 9, 2025— As quantum technologies advance at a rapid pace, global institutions are turning to leading experts to help shape the ethical and policy frameworks that will govern this transformative era. Mauritz Kop, a prominent scholar in the field of quantum law and governance Founding Director of the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology, has been actively consulting with two of the world's foremost international bodies: the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). His contributions are helping to build a global consensus on the responsible development and deployment of quantum technologies.

Expert Opinions for UNESCO and its World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST)

UNESCO, through its World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST), is at the forefront of establishing global ethical norms for emerging technologies. COMEST is an advisory body composed of leading international scholars tasked with formulating ethical principles to guide decision-makers beyond purely economic considerations.

Recognizing his expertise, COMEST invited Mauritz Kop to an exclusive Expert Hearing on May 13, 2024. This session was convened to gather insights for the Commission's forthcoming landmark report on the "Ethics of the Research, Development and Deployment of Quantum Computing Technologies." Together with three other experts who each presented different perspectives, Kop was asked to present his research on Responsible Quantum Technology, quantum-ELSPI (Ethical, Legal, Societal, and Policy Implications), and bespoke governance frameworks for Quantum Information Science (QIS). His scholarship - often co-authored with RQT Fellows such as Mateo Aboy, Eline de Jong, Mark Brongersma, and Raymond Laflamme, provides the Commission with state-of-the-art analysis of the ethical and governance challenges, helping to enrich the foundation of their upcoming report.

Stanford Law’s Mauritz Kop Provides Recommendations on UNESCO Preliminary Draft: 'Ethics of Quantum Computing'

Following the request to participate in the expert hearing, Stanford Law’s Mauritz Kop was formally invited to provide written recommendations on the "Preliminary Draft Report on the Ethics of Quantum Computing" on January 9, 2025. This invitation underscores the value of his contributions to the Commission's work. While the draft itself remains confidential, its direction can be understood through its public predecessor, the "Concept note of the World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST) on the ethics of quantum computing," published on July 24, 2024.

The concept note lays out a comprehensive vision for the ethical governance of quantum computing. It correctly asserts that while quantum technology is still in its early stages, the time to establish ethical guardrails is now, learning from the reactive approach taken with other technologies like social media. The note emphasizes that quantum technology is not neutral; its development and use have profound social and political impacts.

Mauritz Kop Invited by OECD to Speak on Global Policy and National Strategies for Responsible Quantum Technology Development

In addition to his work with UNESCO, Mauritz Kop was invited by the OECD to contribute his expertise to its Global Forum on Technology (GFTech) event, "Future in flux? Global policy issues and national strategies for responsible quantum technology development," held in November 2023. The event was originally scheduled to take place in Tel Aviv, Israel, but was moved to a virtual format due to regional unrest.

Looking Ahead: The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025

The work of UNESCO and the OECD is particularly timely, as the United Nations has officially declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ 2025). This global initiative, led by UNESCO, marks the 100th anniversary of the development of modern quantum mechanics and aims to raise global awareness of the importance of quantum science and its applications.

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Mauritz Kop Consults U.S. Department of State on Quantum Technology and Foreign Policy Strategy

Washington D.C. – On December 12, 2024, Mauritz Kop, Founding Director of the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT) and the Stanford Quantum Incubator, was invited to consult with the U.S. Department of State on the pressing challenges and strategic opportunities presented by the quantum era. The analytic outreach event, hosted by the Bureau of Intelligence and Research’s Office of Analytic Outreach (INR/AO), provided a critical forum to discuss the integration of quantum technology considerations into U.S. foreign policy and national security strategy.

This engagement highlights the growing recognition within the U.S. government that understanding quantum technology is no longer the exclusive domain of physicists and engineers, but a crucial imperative for diplomats, intelligence analysts, and foreign policy architects.

Informing Diplomacy with Strategic Insight

The U.S. Department of State is the nation’s lead foreign affairs agency, responsible for advancing the interests and security of the American people. Within the Department, the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) holds a unique mandate to provide independent, all-source intelligence and analysis to the Secretary of State and other senior policymakers. INR’s primary mission is to deliver timely, objective, and insightful assessments that inform decision-making on the full spectrum of diplomatic and foreign policy challenges. It is within this context of providing deep, substantive expertise that the Office of Analytic Outreach convenes leading external experts like Mauritz Kop to engage directly with government analysts and officials.

A Bird's-Eye View of Quantum's Strategic Landscape

While the specific details of the consultation remain confidential, the discussion drew upon Mr. Kop’s extensive research on quantum governance, which offers a strategic framework for policymakers. His analysis emphasizes several key themes crucial for navigating the complexities of the quantum age.

A central theme is the inherently dual-use character of quantum technology. This paradigm holds both immense promise and profound risk. On one hand, quantum advancements are poised to revolutionize sectors vital to human progress; quantum sensors could dramatically improve medical imaging and seismic prediction, while quantum simulation could enhance drug discovery and macroeconomic modeling. On the other hand, this same power presents formidable threats. The advent of a fault-tolerant quantum computer, or "Q-Day," could catastrophically break the classical encryption that underpins global finance, data security, and critical infrastructure, with a potential timeframe of just two to three years.

This governance model is set against a backdrop of intense geopolitical competition. Kop’s research posits the risk of a "Quantum Event Horizon"—a governance tipping point at which one technological bloc could achieve quantum supremacy and with that the keys to the world’s operating system, creating an irreversible, "winner-takes-all" advantage that could destabilize the global order. This makes it a strategic imperative for the United States and its allies to lead in building a "globally leading, values-laden Made in America quantum ecosystem."

Embedding Democratic Values into the Quantum Future

A core pillar of the responsible governance framework presented is the imperative to embed democratic values and human rights principles into the very architecture of quantum systems. Technology is never neutral; it inherently carries the values of its creators. Therefore, the U.S. and its like-minded partners have a generational opportunity to set the "rules of the road" for quantum technology through international standard-setting that prioritizes privacy, fairness, and fundamental freedoms. This involves fostering diverse, interdisciplinary research and development teams to combat inherent biases and ensure outcomes align with the principles of a free society.

Stanford RQT and the Department of State’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research

The engagement with the Department of State’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research represents a vital step in bridging the gap between the academic frontier of quantum research and the pragmatic realities of foreign policy. The work of the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology remains committed to fostering these essential conversations, ensuring that as humanity prepares to take its next great technological leap, it does so with foresight, responsibility, and a steadfast commitment to democratic values.

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Dutch Ambassador to the US and Consul General visit Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology

Stanford, CA, October 11, 2024— Today, the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology, situated within Stanford Law School, had the distinct honor of hosting a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Stanford RQT Founding Director Mauritz Kop had the pleasure of welcoming Her Excellency Birgitta Tazelaar, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United States, and the Honorable Theo Peters, Consul General of the Netherlands in San Francisco, for a series of critical discussions at the intersection of technology, governance, and international security.

The delegation, which also included Attaché for Innovation, Science and Technology Coen Damen, Senior Advisor for Innovation, Technology & Science Tyrone Pater, and Economic Affairs Associate Jasmijn Al Kenany, engaged with our Center on the most pressing challenges and opportunities presented by exponential technologies. This visit underscores the deepening transatlantic dialogue on responsible innovation and the shared commitment of the United States and the Netherlands to forging a future where technological advancement aligns with democratic values and global stability.

A Delegation of Diplomatic Experience

The breadth of the delegation’s expertise provided a rich foundation for our conversations. Ambassador Tazelaar brings three decades of diplomatic experience in political affairs, human rights, and development cooperation. Her distinguished career includes serving as Deputy Director-General for International Cooperation at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director of the North Africa and Middle East Department, and as a political counselor at the Dutch Embassy in London, where her portfolio included NATO and nuclear security issues. This extensive background in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes proved invaluable to our discussions on international treaties and security frameworks for emerging technologies.

Consul General Theo Peters, who represents the Netherlands across the 13 westernmost states, has a wide-ranging background covering security policy, political affairs, and economic trade. A core part of his mission is to connect the Dutch government and its innovation ecosystem with key partners on the US West Coast, particularly in high-tech sectors. His academic credentials, including an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School, and prior diplomatic postings in Tokyo and as Ambassador to Senegal and several other West African nations, provided a global perspective on innovation models and economic security.

Cybersecurity, strategic competition and innovation policy

The delegation's specialists brought further focus. Mr. Damen's work on innovation policies, space, and cyber, and his professional interest in how state policy can foster balanced and ecologically sound economic growth, directly informed our dialogue on national strategies. Mr. Pater, also a Tech Diplomacy Fellow at the UC Berkeley Risk & Security Lab, focuses on how like-minded countries can collaboratively stimulate research in critical areas like AI and cybersecurity to address international strategic competition and enhance research and economic security. Ms. Al Kenany, who is pursuing a Master of Science in Cyber Governance at Leiden University, contributed a vital perspective on the role of tech diplomacy in strengthening international relations and ensuring that the benefits of emerging technologies are democratized while safeguarding global security.

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Stanford Law’s Jin-Hee Lee, Katie Liu and Mauritz Kop visit Caltech Quantum Research Center

Pasadena, CA – On July 6, 2024, a team from the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT) embarked on a research field trip to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), one of the world's preeminent hubs for quantum science research. This visit, part of an ongoing collaboration between the two world-leading institutions, was a crucial exercise in bridging the gap between the deeply technical world of quantum research and the complex legal, ethical, and societal frameworks required to govern it. The delegation, consisting of RQT Founding Director Mauritz Kop, RQT Fellow Jin-Hee Lee, and Research Assistant to the Director Katie Liu, traveled from Stanford to the heart of Southern California to engage directly with the scientists and engineers who are building the future of quantum. The visit was hosted by RQT Fellow Franz Pfanner, a PhD candidate at Caltech, and focused on the groundbreaking work being done at Caltech's Institute for Quantum Information and Matter (IQIM).

The day was dedicated to exploring the groundbreaking work being done at Caltech's Institute for Quantum Information and Matter (IQIM), a flagship research center led by Professor Manuel Endres, within the university's prestigious Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy. This visit underscores the RQT Center's commitment to fostering a deeply interdisciplinary dialogue, ensuring that the development of responsible quantum governance is informed by a hands-on understanding of the technology itself.

The Epicenter of Quantum Innovation: Caltech's IQIM

Caltech stands as a global powerhouse in quantum research, and at its core is the Institute for Quantum Information and Matter (IQIM). Under the leadership of Professor Manuel Endres, IQIM is dedicated to exploring the frontiers of quantum science, from the fundamental physics of quantum information to the development of novel quantum materials and devices. The institute's work is organized around several Major Activities (MAs), each tackling a different facet of the quantum puzzle.

Bridging Quantum Theory and Society: The Stanford RQT Projects

The visit to Caltech provided a rich technical context for the work being done by the Stanford RQT team, whose projects are focused on the human and societal dimensions of this emerging technological revolution.

Jin-Hee Lee, an RQT Fellow, is pioneering research in the nascent field of Quantum Human-Computer Interaction (Q-HCI). Her project addresses a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of the quantum future: how will humans interact with these powerful and counterintuitive machines? As quantum computers move beyond the binary logic of classical computing and into the probabilistic realm of qubits and superposition, the interfaces through which we engage with them must be completely re-imagined. Jin-Hee's work, guided by the ELSPI (Ethical, Legal, Social, and Policy Implications) framework, aims to ensure that these interfaces are not only functional but also accessible, intuitive, and ethically designed, preventing the creation of a new digital divide and keeping humanity at the center of the quantum age.

Katie Liu, a Research Assistant at the RQT Center, is focusing on the intersection of quantum technology and neuroscience. Her project, "Responsible Quantum AI in Healthcare – Neurotechnology and Beyond," explores the transformative potential of quantum AI (QAI) to enhance diagnostics and treatments for complex neurological conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Using the SEA (Safeguarding, Engaging, Advancing) principles as her guide, Katie is investigating how quantum algorithms can analyze the vast datasets generated by neuroimaging and real-time brain monitoring to create personalized treatment plans. Her research also addresses the profound ethical challenges of this work, from ensuring patient data privacy through quantum-resistant encryption to mitigating the dual-use risks of advanced neurotechnology.

A Cross-pollination of Disciplines and a Moment of Reflection

Following the intellectually stimulating day at Caltech, the Stanford delegation visited The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, taking time to reflect in the serene beauty of the Chinese Garden. The garden, with its intricate design and harmonious balance of natural and man-made elements, served as a powerful metaphor for the work ahead: building a responsible quantum future requires a similar blend of technical ingenuity, ethical foresight, and a deep appreciation for the human values we seek to preserve and enhance.

The journey to a quantum-enabled world is just beginning. But as the collaboration between institutions like Stanford and Caltech demonstrates, by working together across disciplines, we can ensure that this powerful new chapter in human history is written not with reckless abandon, but with wisdom, responsibility, and a shared commitment to the common good.

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2nd Annual Stanford Responsible Quantum Technology Conference: Summary of Core Themes and Selected Highlights

The 2nd annual Stanford Responsible Quantum Technology Conference convened by the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology and expertly orchestrated by its Executive Director Mauritz Kop, provided a broad overview of the latest developments in quantum technology, with a focus on quantum simulation. It brought together a diverse and interdisciplinary group of experts from the US and Europe – united in their interest in responsible development and use of second-generation quantum technologies – to discuss innovations, challenges, and future directions in this emerging space. The conference included both in-depth presentations and far-ranging panel discussions, with artistic and musical performances interspersed as alternative spaces of approximation and exploration.

The following write-up by Constanze Albrecht does not aim to offer a comprehensive overview of the wealth of perspectives and insights shared at the conference. Instead, it introduces some of the conference’s core themes by summarizing some of the anchor presentations and is intended as an invitation to readers to dive deeper into the conference materials and videos posted online.

Technological Advancements and Market Dynamics

One of the standout presentations was “Project Quantum Leap: Quantum Computing Innovation—Patenting Trends Innovation & Policy Implications” by Mateo Aboy. This presentation offered an in-depth empirical study of the intellectual property landscape in quantum computing. He emphasized the necessity of evidence-based IP studies to inform policy and innovation governance in this rapidly evolving field. Aboy revealed significant growth in quantum computing patents over the past two decades, particularly noting an uptick since 2014, with patents mainly focuses on physical realizations, quantum circuits, error correction, and quantum algorithms. This surge reflects the increased involvement of diverse entities, including universities, startups, and established corporations.

The presentation further highlighted the critical role of international harmonization in patent laws and the importance of public disclosures in advancing technology. Mateo Aboy also explored the state-of-the-art applications of quantum computing in healthcare, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize both fundamental and clinical research despite being in its early stages. He concluded with a call for a balanced regulatory approach that promotes technological advancement while safeguarding against potential risks, underscoring the need for proactive policy measures.

Quantum Use Cases in Healthcare and Life Sciences

In this context, a fascinating panel discussion moderated by Hank Greely offered a deep dive into the applications and use cases of quantum technology in the health and life sciences. Mateo Aboy, Glenn Cohen, Timo Minssen and Victoria Ward examined the transformative potential of quantum computing, sensing, and simulation in enhancing diagnostic tools, personalizing treatment plans, and accelerating drug discovery processes. The discussions also addressed market dynamics, highlighting the competitive landscape and the strategic positioning of key players in the quantum technology market. The panelists underscored the importance of fostering a robust innovation ecosystem that supports the growth of startups and encourages collaboration between academia, industry, and government bodies.

Providing insight into the technical aspects of quantum technology innovation, Mark Brongersma, Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Stanford University, presented cutting-edge research at the intersection of materials science and quantum technology. His presentation focused on developing and analyzing nanostructured materials for nanoscale electronic and photonic devices. Key research topics included nanophotonics, which enhances light manipulation at the subwavelength scale, and microcavity resonators, which confine light to boost light-matter interactions. This pioneering work paves the way for future innovations that could revolutionize current sensing and simulation technologies.

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Academics, Conference, University, Stanford, Quantum Technology, Quantum ComputingMauritz Kop4 juni 2024Stanford RQT, Stanford Responsible Quantum Technology Conference, Summary, Constanze Albrecht, Mauritz Kop

Princeton University’s Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination’s visits Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology

On Wednesday, January 22, 2024, the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT) had the distinct pleasure of hosting a delegation from Princeton University’s Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination (LISD) for a dynamic discussion on transatlantic technology policy at Stanford Law School. The event was marked by great energy and a profound exchange of ideas, reflecting the shared commitment of both institutions to navigating the complex intersection of emerging technology, global governance, and societal values.

Princeton LISD leadership and their talented International Policy Associates at Stanford RQT

As the host of the meeting, Professor Mauritz Kop had the opportunity to welcome the LISD leadership and their talented International Policy Associates. He provided an overview of the mission of the Stanford RQT, explaining our framework for ensuring that quantum technologies are developed and integrated into society in a manner that is safe, ethical, and equitable. This introduction served as a foundation for a rich and meaningful conversation, where the Princeton fellows posed insightful questions. The discussion traversed a wide spectrum of pressing topics, including the challenges of regulating the suite of quantum technologies, the discovery of quantum use cases in healthcare, the complexities of export controls and quantum materials supply chains, and the crucial interface between AI and quantum computing. Furthermore, we explored the application of universal democratic values and culturally sensitive ethics to these new domains, comparing the innovation systems of the US, EU, and China, and considering the potential for technology to drive both scarcity and abundance on a planetary scale.

Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI) and Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB)

The engagement at the RQT was a cornerstone of the LISD delegation's broader visit to Northern California, which included several high-level meetings across Stanford University. The group’s thank-you message noted their "incredibly enriching visit" and the comprehensive nature of their discussions. Their agenda also included conversations with preeminent scholars Professor Francis Fukuyama and Professor Michael McFaul at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI), and a meeting with Dean Jon Levin of the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB). According to the delegation, these dialogues covered a range of vital geopolitical issues, from the war in Ukraine and a possible attack on Taiwan to Stanford's pivotal role in innovation, highlighting the "multifaceted impact of technology on democracy." The visit also provided an opportunity for the delegation to connect with Princeton alumni in the region.

Collaborating on global challenges and opportunities presented by quantum technologies

The esteemed LISD delegation was led by its senior leadership, including Sophie Meunier, the Acting Director of LISD and a Senior Research Scholar at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs; Nadia Crisan, the Executive Director of LISD; Jonathan Fredman, a Non-Resident Fellow and former senior leader at the Central Intelligence Agency; and Jana-Alessa Peper, the Institute Assistant who coordinates the IPA program. They were accompanied by the LISD’s International Policy Associates, a cohort of students pursuing careers in foreign policy and international business, who brought a diverse array of academic and professional interests to the discussion.

The dialogue reinforced the critical importance of building bridges between institutions and disciplines. The exchange of perspectives between Stanford’s technology and policy experts and Princeton’s specialists in international affairs and self-determination created a unique and valuable synergy. We extend our sincere thanks to the entire LISD delegation for a stimulating and productive session that has undoubtedly planted the seeds for future collaboration in addressing the global governance challenges and opportunities presented by quantum and other advanced technologies.

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Academics, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Quantum ELSPI, Quantum Technology, Quantum-AI, Stanford RQTMauritz Kop22 januari 2024Princeton, Stanford RQT, Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination, Nadia Crisan, Francis Fukuyama, Michael McFaul, Mauritz Kop, Jon Levin

Mauritz Kop Fellow at Inter-CeBIL Harvard Cambridge Copenhagen

Harvard-Cambridge-Copenhagen, Sept 15, 2023 — Mauritz Kop has accepted a position as an Inter-CeBIL Fellow at the prestigious Novo Nordisk Foundation Copenhagen-Cambridge-Harvard Inter-CeBIL Programme for International Collaborative Bioscience Innovation & Law. In this role, Kop will focus his research on Advanced Medical Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Technologies within the life sciences ecosystem.

About the Inter-CeBIL Programme

The Inter-CeBIL Programme is a world-leading research hub dedicated to identifying and tackling the most significant legal and regulatory barriers to health and life science innovation. The initiative fosters robust knowledge networks to provide tailored legal and regulatory support to patients, researchers, businesses, and incubators, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that health and life science innovations can safely and effectively reach patients and markets.

This international collaboration brings together top-tier academic institutions to drive progress in healthcare and biotechnology. The program is a joint effort between the Centre for Advanced Studies in Bioscience Innovation Law (CeBIL) at the University of Copenhagen, the Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics at Harvard Law School, and the University of Cambridge, among other key partners. The program is led by a distinguished team, including Professor Timo Minssen as the Founding Director of CeBIL at the University of Copenhagen, Professor I. Glenn Cohen who leads Harvard Law School’s contribution, and Professor Mateo Aboy who leads the Cambridge part.

Key Research Areas

The Inter-CeBIL Programme centers its research on three key "grand challenges":

1. Advanced Medical Computing: Focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Technologies (QT).

2. Pandemic Preparedness & Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR).

3. Sustainable Innovation & Biosolutions: Encompassing eco-systems, drug R&D, drug regulation, and data infrastructures.

Focus on Key Area 1: Advanced Medical Computing, AI & Quantum Technology

This key research area addresses the increasingly critical role of advanced computing in the life sciences and medical sectors. Algorithms are becoming fundamental building blocks in a wide range of medical devices, digital health technologies (DHTs), and drug discovery tools (DDTs). The use of advanced computing, including AI/ML and quantum computing (QC), holds immense potential benefits for the life sciences, drug discovery, and medical sectors. These advancements also raise significant legal, ethical, governance, and regulatory issues that the program aims to address.

In his capacity as an Inter-CeBIL Fellow, Mauritz Kop will contribute his deep expertise in quantum-AI, its governance, and its legal-ethical implications to this key research area, helping to navigate the complex challenges and opportunities presented by these cutting-edge technologies.

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Why Quantum Computing Is Even More Dangerous Than Artificial Intelligence (Foreign Policy)

Washington DC, August 21, 2022. Foreign Policy just published an article about regulating quantum technology authored by Vivek Wadhwa and Mauritz Kop. https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/08/21/quantum-computing-artificial-intelligence-ai-technology-regulation/

United States and other democratic nations must prepare for tomorrow's quantum era today

To avoid the ethical problems that went so horribly wrong with AI and machine learning, democratic nations need to institute controls that both correspond to the predicted power of the emerging suite of second generation quantum technologies, and respect & reinforce democratic values, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. In fact, the quantum community itself has issued a call for action to immediately address these matters. We argue that governments must urgently begin to think about regulation, standards, and responsible use—and learn from the way countries handled or mishandled other revolutionary technologies, including AI, nanotechnology, biotechnology, semiconductors, and nuclear fission. Benefits and increased quantum driven prosperity should be equitably shared among members of society, and risks equally distributed. The United States and other democratic nations must not make the same mistake they made with AI—and prepare for tomorrow's quantum era today.

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Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Geopolitics, Foreign Policy, GuardrailsMauritz Kop21 augustus 2022Quantum Governance, AI-Regulation, geopolitics

Mauritz Kop calls for a Quantum Governance Act at the University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Law

Much enjoyed giving a lecture titled ‘Quantum-ELSPI: A Call for a Quantum Governance Act’ on Thursday June 9, 2022 at the University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Law. This was an internal CeBiL event that took place before The Quantum Future symposium, organized by the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and its newly established Committee for Quantum Information and Quantum Computing, together with the Niels Bohr Institute’s Quantum Life Centre.

EU Quantum Governance Act

With its own Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics in which physical phenomena must be observed and measured to exist, the University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Law was the perfect place to propose an outline for a novel Quantum Governance Act on a European level, fostering open innovation while putting targeted, technology and industry specific risk based controls in place. The EU Quantum Act should jointly optimize advancing quantum technology (investment and innovation) with safeguaring quantum technology, society and humankind (guardrails, standards, values, IP protection and national security). For example, it could contain a product safety regime as found in the EU AI Act, combined with pro-innovation mechanisms as found in the US CHIPS Act. In addition, I connected regulating quantum to regulating general purpose technologies (GPT) like artificial intelligence (AI), but also to nanotechnology, biotechnology, semiconductors, and last not least to managing dual use fissionable materials such as nuclear isotopes and nuclear weapons, utilizing export and intellectual property controls.

The Law of Quantum: Quantum Regulatory Frameworks

The Quantum & Law lecture gave an overview of work done over the past 3 years on quantum regulatory frameworks, incentive and rewards systems, competition law, beyond intellectual property innovation law, ethics, national security policy, standardization, technology impact assessment, benchmarking and certification published or forthcoming in high impact journals at both sides of the Atlantic. My talk ended with discussing the latest research findings pertaining to the Law of Quantum, and Quantum-ELSPI academic disciplines. Thanks to the participants for their inspiring questions and comments!

Panel Debate about the Quantum Future at the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences

The brilliant lectures on atoms, photons, qubits, the nature of quantum information, the history of quantum physics, and current research into quantum computer paradigms -including combatting decoherence on both software and hardware levels- at The Quantum Future symposium where highly enjoyable. This fascinating program ended with a panel debate on how quantum technology will change our society, at the beautiful building of the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences, in attendance of fellow jurists Nicholson Price II, Louise C. Druedahl, Marcelo Corrales Compagnucci, and Agnieszka Radziwon.

Surfing the Waves of the Second Quantum Revolution

The panel debate at the Academy -superbly moderated by Nanna Bonde Thylstrup- gave a true, almost symptomatic picture of the various stakeholders' viewpoints and positions. But we are learning to speak each other's language better and better, a crucial and exciting step when it comes to balancing the societal impact of our mystical family of quantum technologies. Surfing the waves of the second quantum revolution requires building bridges between disciplines, beyond traditional research silos. Bringing together the humanities, social and natural sciences to spur sustainable innovation driven by a golden triangle of academia, government and industry is essential.

Thank you to Professor Timo Minssen and his team at CeBiL for the kind invite. https://jura.ku.dk/cebil/

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Mauritz Kop joins Expert Panel on Quantum Technologies of the Council of Canadian Academies (CCA)

Mauritz Kop joins the multidisciplinary Expert Panel on Quantum Technologies of the Council of Canadian Academies (CCA) over 2022-2023, chaired by Professor Raymond Laflamme. In November 2023, The Expert Panel on the Responsible Adoption of Quantum Technologies published their final report titled Quantum Potential. https://cca-reports.ca/reports/quantum-technologies/

The Council of Canadian Academies (CCA) Investigates Future Impact of Quantum Technologies

As Chair, Dr. Raymond Laflamme will lead a multidisciplinary group with expertise in quantum technologies, economics, innovation, ethics, and legal and regulatory frameworks. The Panel will answer the following question:

In light of current trends affecting the evolution of quantum technologies, what opportunities and challenges do these present in Canada?

The Quantum Potential Report

Quantum technologies are poised to play a major role in Canada’s future, from its national security to its economic standing. While Canada is among the global leaders in quantum research, it nevertheless faces challenges in the adoption of these technologies as they approach market readiness. Quantum Potential, a new expert panel report from the Council of Canadian Academies (CCA), outlines a responsible approach to quantum-technology adoption — a critical step toward ensuring Canada’s global competitiveness in the decades ahead.

Quantum Computing, Sensing, and Communications

Quantum Potential considers quantum computing, sensing, and communications, three categories of quantum technology at varying levels of maturity. While these technologies may strengthen digital infrastructure, improve data security, and optimize processes across a range of economic sectors, they also pose significant risks, such as misuse by malicious actors. Risks associated with quantum technologies span ethical, legal, social, and policy realms; without sufficient consideration, they may compromise public trust in quantum technologies, limit research funding, and stifle innovation.

The Commercialization Potential of Quantum Technologies in Canada

Quantum Potential explores the commercialization potential of quantum technologies, articulates Canada’s position within the global quantum value chain, and examines those conditions and policy levers that might promote their responsible adoption. https://cca-reports.ca/reports/quantum-technologies/

Quantum technologies offer opportunities to harness the properties of quantum mechanics for a breadth of applications, many of them novel. Though many quantum technologies are several years away from reaching market, it is believed that they have the potential to revolutionize many industries as they reach widespread commercial availability. Domestic industries will need to adopt these technologies if they wish to remain globally competitive, as will governments hoping to ensure national and economic security, public safety, and the integrity of critical infrastructure. To date, Canada has made noteworthy investments in the research and development of quantum technologies but has focused less on mechanisms to stimulate their diffusion and adoption.

Ethical, Legal, Social, and Policy Implications (Quantum-ELSPI)

The adoption of quantum technologies also carries significant ethical, legal, social, and policy implications. These include potential threats to data security and digital infrastructure, anticompetitive pressures by market-dominant firms, mass surveillance and privacy loss, regulatory uncertainty, inequitable access to technology, and social challenges related to employment and public trust in science. However, there are many strategies that could help address these challenges and stimulate the responsible adoption of quantum technologies. These include public-private co-operation, pro-competition oversight and policies, industry-led initiatives, and the creation of a diverse quantum workforce. In order to maximize the benefits of quantum technologies while mitigating potential risks, responsible approaches to adoption should use state-sanctioned and self-regulating measures – including quantum impact assessments, soft-law mechanisms, and consultations with stakeholders – to anticipate the effects of technological change.

Thanks to the sponsors National Research Council Canada and Innovation; Science and Economic Development Canada for facilitating this Report.

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Quantum Technology, Quantum ELSPI, Quantum ComputingMauritz Kop26 mei 2022responsible quantum technology, Canada, Mauritz Kop, strategy, policy, law, ethics, regulation, Raymond Laflamme, Intellectual Property Law, Governance, innovation, fair competition

World Economic Forum Quantum Computing Ethics & Governance Principles

During 2021, Mauritz Kop helped design the World Economic Forum Quantum Governance Principles. In January 2022, the World Economic Forum released its accompanying Quantum Computing Governance Principles Insight Report. The report and principles were developed as part of a co-design process over the course of 2021 with a diverse set of global quantum stakeholders from industry, academia and government.

Governance Principles for the Responsible Design and Adoption of Quantum Computing

In 2022, our multidisciplinary WEF expert group published the first set of governance principles for the responsible design and adoption of quantum computing technology. A global multi stakeholder initiative to create an ethical framework enabling the responsible design and adoption of quantum computing. Quantum computing, though at its early stages, will help provide very significant advances in our computing capabilities and will have a considerable impact on improving the state of the world in the coming years. It could have a revolutionary impact on human well-being, national security, and global society, along with potential commercial applications across industries.

The Quantum Computing Ethics project is part of the World Economic Forum’s Shaping the Future of Technology Governance: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Platform.

10 Guiding Principles for Quantum Computing published at Yale

The Principles build in part on the prior 10 Guiding Principles for Quantum Computing published March 30, 2021 in the Yale Journal of Law & Technology in my article titled: Establishing a Legal-Ethical Framework for Quantum Technology.

There, I argue that the unique physical characteristics of quantum mechanics demand universal guiding principles of responsible, human-centered quantum technology. To this end, the article proposes ten guiding principles for the development and application of quantum technology. These ground rules aim to put controls in place and integrate our common democratic norms, standards and values into the design of our future hi-tech systems as much as possible

Law and ethics frequently interrelate. Ethical standards for quantum should however be a supplementation to legal measures, and not a replacement. Ethics alone can never be enough when regulating high-risk technologies like dual use quantum tech and quantum artificial intelligence. To make sure all groups of society benefit from quantum and AI we have to put controls and guardrails in place that address identified risks and incentivise sustainable innovation.

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Quantum ComputingMauritz Kop19 januari 2022quantum computing, world economic forum (WEF), ethics, governance, Guiding Principles, Mauritz Kop

Mauritz Kop Consults Senator Mark Warner on AI & Quantum Technology Policy

Washington D.C., January 4, 2022—As the United States Congress grapples with the complex challenges of regulating artificial intelligence and quantum technology, leading policymakers are seeking expert guidance to inform a robust and forward-thinking national strategy. On January 4, 2022, Mauritz Kop, a distinguished scholar in the field of technology law and governance, was consulted by the legal team of U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) to provide strategic insights on both AI and quantum technology policy.

This consultation highlights the growing recognition in Washington of the need for deep, interdisciplinary expertise to navigate the geopolitical, economic, and security dimensions of these transformative technologies. Senator Warner's team reached out to Kop based on his influential scholarship, including his extensive work at Stanford on the EU AI Act and the need for a strategic democratic tech alliance, his advisory role for the European Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen on the AI Act and Data Act, and his foundational article in the Yale Journal of Law & Technology proposing a comprehensive legal-ethical framework for quantum technology.

Senator Mark Warner: A Leader on Technology and National Security

Senator Mark Warner's engagement on these issues is both significant and timely. As the Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, he is at the forefront of addressing the national security implications of emerging technologies. His work involves overseeing the U.S. Intelligence Community and ensuring it is equipped to handle the threats and opportunities of the 21st century, where technological competition with nations like China is a central concern.

The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence has a broad mandate that includes analyzing intelligence on the technological capabilities of foreign powers and assessing the vulnerabilities of U.S. critical infrastructure. Senator Warner has been a vocal proponent of developing a national strategy for AI and quantum to maintain the United States' competitive edge and to ensure that these technologies are developed and deployed in a manner consistent with democratic values. This consultation with Mauritz Kop reflects the Senator's commitment to drawing on leading academic research to shape sound, bipartisan policy.

AI Policy: A Transatlantic, Risk-Based Approach that Lets Innovation Breathe

A key focus of the consultation was Kop's analysis of the European Union's AI Act. His Stanford publications argue for a balanced, pro-innovation regulatory model that can serve as a blueprint for international cooperation. Good governance and sensible legislation should incentivize desired behavior and simultaneously create breathing room for sustainable, beneficial innovation to flourish.

Quantum Governance: Establishing a Legal-Ethical Framework

The discussion also delved into the governance of quantum technology, drawing on Kop's seminal work in the Yale Journal of Law & Technology. Recognizing that quantum is rapidly moving from the theoretical to the practical, he stressed the urgency of establishing a legal-ethical framework before the technology is widely deployed and locked-in.

The consultation with Senator Warner's office represents a critical intersection of academic scholarship and high-level policymaking. As the United States charts its course in the era of AI and quantum, the insights provided by experts like Mauritz Kop are invaluable in ensuring that the nation's strategy is not only competitive but also responsible, ethical, and firmly rooted in democratic principles.

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