Munich, Germany – On January 30, 2025, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) became the epicenter of the global quantum conversation, hosting the International Quantum Forum (IQF) 2025. The event, a cornerstone of the UN-designated International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, brought together leading stakeholders from academia, industry, and civil society to navigate the future of the quantum era. Mauritz Kop, Founding Director of the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology, delivered a keynote address, outlining the critical need for robust and responsible governance frameworks for this transformative technology.
A Forum at the Intersection of Science, Society, and Art
Hosted by the TUM Think Tank's Quantum Social Lab and the TUM Center for Culture and the Arts, the IQF 2025 was a uniquely curated event that broke the mold of traditional academic conferences. With a festival-style atmosphere, the forum was designed to foster interdisciplinary thinking, connecting the hard science of quantum physics with its profound societal, economic, and cultural dimensions. The TUM, one of Europe's leading technical universities, and its associated Hochschule für Politik (HfP), provided the perfect backdrop for this ambitious dialogue, blending technical excellence with a deep understanding of public policy and governance.
The Quantum Social Lab: A Hub for Interdisciplinary Exploration
A driving force behind the forum's innovative approach is the Quantum Social Lab (QSL), a key initiative of the TUM Think Tank. Led by Director Fabienne Marco and Principal Investigator Professor Urs Gasser, the QSL is dedicated to exploring the societal dimensions of quantum technologies. By bringing together experts from disparate fields, the QSL aims to anticipate the legal, ethical, social, and political challenges of the quantum age and to co-create solutions that ensure the technology is developed in a way that benefits all of humanity. The IQF 2025 is a testament to the QSL's commitment to fostering a new kind of dialogue—one that is inclusive, forward-looking, and deeply humanistic.
Keynote by Mauritz Kop: Quantum Governance Frameworks
In his keynote address, Mauritz Kop articulated a clear and compelling vision for the governance of quantum technologies. The central leitmotif of his talk was that "quantum’s benefits outweigh its risks, if implemented responsibly." He argued that the unique and often counterintuitive nature of quantum mechanics demands tailored governance frameworks that go beyond existing models for other technologies.
Kop presented the Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT) framework, a paradigm developed by his interdisciplinary group at Stanford, designed to ensure that research and innovation efforts meet societal demands and enhance planetary welfare. He stressed that developers, vendors, and users of quantum and quantum-AI hybrid systems must navigate a complex web of emerging global requirements. This includes everything from technology-specific export controls to industry-specific regulations in sectors like finance, healthcare, and defense.
Quantum Standards
A key pillar of his proposed framework is the need for unified international interoperability standards. Kop warned against the dangers of a "quantum splinternet," where competing and incompatible quantum ecosystems could emerge along geopolitical lines, stifling collaboration and exacerbating global tensions. Instead, he called for a concerted global effort to establish shared norms and protocols that are grounded in democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law.
Kop also highlighted the importance of learning from other fields, such as AI and nuclear technology, while recognizing the unique challenges posed by quantum. He advocated for a risk-based approach that balances innovation with safety, utilizing tools like Quantum Impact Assessments (QIAs), regulatory sandboxes, and lifecycle auditing. This, he argued, would allow innovation to "breathe" while ensuring that appropriate guardrails are in place.
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