Palo Alto, May 16, 2023—We are delighted to share our new Fortune piece titled "How to prevent quantum-A.I. hybrids from taking over the world," that showcases our Stanford-led research on Responsible Quantum Technology! The 21st century is rapidly becoming the Quantum Age. While the full realization of general-purpose quantum computers is still on the horizon, the emergence of hybrid systems that combine quantum phenomena with classical hardware is already a reality, making its way into both domestic and international markets. This convergence of quantum technology and artificial intelligence (AI) promises to unlock unprecedented advancements across various fields, but it also presents a host of complex geopolitical and grand strategy challenges that demand our immediate attention. As we stand on the precipice of this technological revolution, it is imperative that we proceed with a strong sense of responsibility, ensuring that these powerful tools are developed and deployed in a manner that aligns with our most cherished societal values.
Critical Quantum Insights for a Business Audience
The article, "How to prevent quantum-A.I. hybrids from taking over the world," published in Fortune on May 16, 2023, delves into the profound implications of this technological convergence, offering critical quantum insights for a business audience. It highlights the stark contrast between the development of quantum technology (QT) in liberal democracies, where adherence to fundamental human rights and democratic values is paramount, and its potential applications in autocratic regimes that may wield it for more nefarious purposes. The piece underscores the existential importance of international collaboration, not only on pressing global issues like climate change and inequality but also in the race for technological dominance, where the preservation of freedom and democratic principles hangs in the balance. As quantum-AI hybrids become increasingly prevalent, the authors argue that business and government leaders must engage with experts and the public to establish robust ethical standards, accountability mechanisms, and responsible technology frameworks to actively foster a competitive, values-based quantum-AI ecosystem.
In 2022, Kop & Wadhwa wrote a Foreign Policy paper titled ‘Why Quantum Computing Is Even More Dangerous Than Artificial Intelligence’, see: https://airecht.nl/blog/2022/why-quantum-computing-is-even-more-dangerous-than-artificial-intelligence-foreign-policy
The Dawn of the Quantum-AI Era: Navigating Opportunities and Risks
At the heart of this discourse is the recognition that any major technological advance inevitably raises critical questions of justice, benefit, and risk. The sheer scale and rapid pace of QT-enabled advancements, coupled with their counterintuitive nature, make these considerations all the more urgent. The potential applications are vast and transformative, ranging from quantum chemistry and drug design to logistical optimization and clean energy. However, the threats are equally significant, with the most widely understood being the imminent danger that quantum computing poses to our current cybersecurity infrastructure and data privacy.
In response to these challenges, a global conversation is underway among stakeholders to find a delicate balance between harnessing the benefits of QT and mitigating its risks. Many are turning to the established principles of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI), which emphasize the importance of responsiveness, inclusivity, reflexivity, and anticipation. RRI posits that scientific and technological breakthroughs should be guided not only by scientific brilliance and economic incentives but also by social norms, ethical values, environmental sustainability, and public engagement. This approach encourages the integration of societal concerns throughout the entire innovation lifecycle, from the initial stages of research and development to the eventual distribution and use of new technologies.
A Framework for Responsible Quantum Innovation: The RQT Approach
Building upon this foundation, a Stanford-led interdisciplinary research group, comprising scholars from law, data science, theoretical physics, philosophy, ethics, social sciences, materials science, and innovation policy, has conceptualized a novel framework known as Responsible Quantum Technology (RQT). This framework is designed to proactively steward the development of QT toward equitable outcomes, mitigate potential risks, and foster an interdisciplinary approach to research and development. RQT embeds the key principles of RRI alongside a comprehensive consideration of the ethical, legal, socio-economic, and policy implications, collectively referred to as Quantum-ELSPI. The ultimate goal of RQT is to ensure that research and innovation efforts are aligned with societal expectations and contribute to the enhancement of planetary welfare.
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