The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Commission on U.S. Quantum Leadership warns that without immediate, large-scale federal investment and policy support, the United States risks falling behind in the race for quantum supremacy, particularly against China.
Why This Matters
…China’s state-backed surge in funding and infrastructure threatens to outpace American efforts.
Quantum technologies—from secure communications to GPS alternatives and post-quantum cryptography—are poised to transform both national security and the global economy. The U.S. leads in foundational research and commercialization potential, but China’s state-backed surge in funding and infrastructure threatens to outpace American efforts. A 2025 CSIS report from the Commission outlines a roadmap to secure U.S. leadership in this critical sector.
Key Points
- Federal Investment Gap: U.S. quantum funding totaled ~$1.2B under the National Quantum Initiative (2018–2023), dwarfed by China’s estimated $10–15B commitment.
- Three Strategic Use Cases:
- Quantum Navigation: Counters GPS jamming and spoofing via inertial and gravitational sensing.
- Quantum-as-a-Service (QaaS): Scalable access to quantum computing over cloud networks.
- Post-Quantum Cryptography: NIST’s new encryption standards are vital to prevent “harvest-now, decrypt-later” attacks.
- Recommendations:
- Double federal R&D spending across DOE, NSF, NIST, and DoD.
- Launch a DARPA-led Quantum Grand Challenge with $2B+ in funding.
- Create shared-use quantum testing facilities and a leadership-class quantum computing facility.
- Strengthen quantum workforce pipelines via NSF-funded undergraduate programs and visa reforms.
- Secure supply chains for rare earths and exotic materials used in quantum devices.
- Expand allied export control coordination and cross-border commercialization programs.
For the full CSIS Report, see: CSIS Commission on U.S. Quantum Leadership
What Next?
- Legislative Action: Congress is urged to pass the $2.7B National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act to scale quantum infrastructure and R&D.
- Regulatory Alignment: The Office of Management and Budget and the National Cyber Director must set compliance timelines for post-quantum cryptography.
- Industrial Coordination: Public-private consortia and shared facilities are needed to close commercialization gaps and boost prototyping.
Recommendations from the Commission Report
- Scale Up Federal Funding: Treat quantum like prior national priorities—nuclear, space, semiconductors—with sustained government commitment.
- Workforce Development: Establish bachelor’s- and master-level quantum engineering pipelines modeled after Australia’s programs.
- Commercialization Infrastructure: Deploy NSF and DOE resources to broaden access to testbeds, hybrid computing systems, and industry partnerships.
- Allied Partnerships: Use AUKUS, NATO, and QUAD frameworks to align quantum standards, export controls, and research investments.
- Secure Supply Chains: Establish strategic reserves of materials like helium-3 and isotopically pure silicon; diversify sourcing away from China.
- Launch a Quantum Challenge: Fund a DARPA Grand Challenge to accelerate practical utility-scale quantum computing.
Summary of Each Key Source Referenced in the Report
Resources Mentioned in the Report
About the Author
Daniel Pereira
Daniel Pereira is research director at OODA. He is a foresight strategist, creative technologist, and an information communication technology (ICT) and digital media researcher with 20+ years of experience directing public/private partnerships and strategic innovation initiatives.
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