The Responsible Quantum Industry Forum’s principles launched

Quantum technologies, including computing, communications, and sensing, have the potential for transformative impacts. As these technologies become more widely adopted in the UK and beyond, it is critical that they are developed and used responsibly, as emphasised by the strong focus in the UK’s National Quantum Strategy to responsible innovation, ethical use, and societal good. While many organisations are keen to put responsible quantum into action, it may be challenging to know where to start.   

To support the UK’s quantum ecosystem in these aims, earlier this year we established the Responsible Quantum Industry Forum (RQIF), led by the NQCC with UKQuantum and techUK as industry co-chairs. The objective of the Forum is to enable organisations in the responsible development and use of quantum technologies, building on shared principles, by providing a venue for sharing best practices and lessons learnt in operationalising responsible quantum.  

Today, we are pleased to share the RQIF principles, a shared commitment to the responsible development and use of quantum technologies, developed with input from our members. 

Since its launch in January, RQIF has welcomed additional members and has been recognised as a key enabler for responsible innovation in quantum technology through the Regulatory Horizons Council report on regulating quantum technology applications, and the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology’s response.  

RQIF convenes regularly, with the purpose of driving next steps on putting responsible quantum into practice, building on RQIF principles as a foundation and shaping development as the technology evolves. Meetings offer members the opportunity to learn from others, including members and expert guest speakers, workshop shared challenges, and establish best practices towards responsible quantum. We continue to welcome new members who share our goal of a responsible quantum future. To learn more, Express your Interest here.  

A shared commitment to responsible quantum 

Our intention is that the RQIF principles serve a number of purposes: 

• First and foremost, as the foundation for a shared commitment to the responsible development and use of quantum technologies 

• For organisations, as an enabler for embedding and operationalising responsible quantum principles internally, guiding responsible decision making 

• Within the Forum, as a basis for collaboration on operationalising the principles  

• By demonstrating thought-leadership and modelling best practices in the responsible development of quantum technologies, providing assurance to the wider community, and building trust amongst stakeholders, including government, end users, and the general public 

Science Minister Lord Vallance said: 

“The Responsible Quantum Industry Forum is committed to ensuring that the UK quantum sector is ethical, sustainable and accountable. These principles are vital to ensure that quantum technologies are developed with respect for privacy, security, and societal good – helping to grow public trust in quantum, and marking the UK out as a global leader in responsible innovation.” 

Dr Simon Plant, Deputy Director of Innovation, NQCC, said: 

“Through the initiation of the Responsible Quantum Industry Forum, the NQCC, together with our collaborators and members, aims to champion and enable the UK’s quantum industry to put responsible quantum innovation into practice. We’re pleased to support the publication of the Responsible Quantum Industry Forum’s principles, developed with members’ input, as a foundation for the responsible, safe, and trusted development and use of quantum technologies.”  

Jonathan Legh-Smith, Executive Director, UKQuantum, said: 

“UKQuantum is proud to be collaborating with the NQCC and techUK in the Responsible Quantum Industry Forum. The UK’s quantum companies have long recognised the importance of placing responsible innovation at the heart of our industry. These principles are our shared commitment to the responsible development and use of quantum technologies for the benefit of the economy and society.”  

Laura Foster, Associate Director – Technology and Innovation, techUK, said: 

“Given the transformative opportunities and potential impact of quantum technologies to our economy and society, it’s important to ensure these technologies are developed responsibly. As such, we are pleased to welcome the Responsible Quantum Industry Forum principles. These guidelines reflect a shared commitment to responsible quantum practices. With transparency, explainability, and accountability at their core, these principles provide a strong foundation for businesses shaping the UK’s quantum future. We’re proud to have led this effort with our members.”  

The Responsible Quantum Industry Forum principles 

Open collaboration on responsible quantum 

Be collaborative and open in upholding our principles, pursuing the shared goal of the responsible use and development of quantum technologies. 

Forward-looking and responsive 

Seek to proactively consider the impacts of quantum technologies on individuals, wider society, and the environment, and respond proportionately and according to our principles. 

Transparency and explainability 

Be transparent about the expected potential impact of our technology on society and the environment, represent its capabilities honestly, and aim for explainable outcomes. 

Safety and reliability 

Design, build, and test for safety and reliability. 

Privacy and security 

Proactively address risks to privacy and security. 

Equitability, fairness, and inclusivity 

Promote fair and equitable opportunities to access and benefit from quantum technologies, building a diverse and inclusive ecosystem. 

Accountability 

Be accountable in upholding our principles, and demonstrating our commitment through our actions and decisions. 

Developing the principles 

To develop the RQIF principles, we brought together our members, representing key organisations from the UK quantum technology industry, as well as carried out an online consultation exercise to ensure all views were represented. 

During the one-day workshop, we began by ensuring alignment with existing ecosystem values, and establishing a shared understanding of the context of quantum technologies. We found that there was a strong consensus on key values, including transparency, accountability, equitability, security, safety, and privacy. These themes were found to align well with an initial draft of principles by the Core Team.  

Members were then given the opportunity to review and discuss this initial draft of principles. Throughout discussions, members shared their valuable insights, helping to revise and iterate, resulting in the RQIF principles for responsible quantum technologies. 

With thanks to our members for their contributions 

We gratefully acknowledge the valuable contributions of RQIF members who kindly shared their time and insights during the principle drafting process. 

To learn more, express your interest in membership: https://engagementhub.ukri.org/stfc-nqcc/rqif-eoi/