US-China Battle for Survival in Quantum Technology... South Korea Falls Behind by Over 5 Years [Reading Science]

US Supports Quantum Technology Development with Quantum Law under Competitiveness Judgment, Checks China
China Advances with Quantum Communication Satellite Launch, Xi Jinping Personally Encourages
Countries Compete to Lead Future Society, Korea at Early Stage

Quantum computer developed by IBM. Photo.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] Quantum information technology, including quantum computing, is considered a leading disruptive technology that will determine the future industrial, technological, and economic landscape. Accordingly, governments around the world are actively competing and implementing support policies.

The United States recognizes quantum information science (QIS) as a core element of national economic growth and security, having enacted the Quantum Initiative Act in 2018 and established the National Quantum Coordination Office under the White House. In October last year, the White House Quantum Coordination Office released the "Quantum Frontier Report," outlining eight major research tasks including expanding the societal benefits of quantum technology, establishing regulations for quantum engineering, and tailored development of materials science. The U.S. Congress has also submitted multiple bills to restrict quantum technology exports to China, aiming to check China's advances.

China is challenging U.S. dominance in quantum information technology. In 2016, China independently researched and developed the world's first quantum science experimental satellite, Mozi (墨子號), and in August of the following year, successfully achieved the world's first quantum communication between Beijing and Shanghai. China is accelerating its efforts by promoting five major development strategies for quantum science and technology.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China recognized the importance of quantum information technology, and recently the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) announced major research projects including second-generation quantum systems and control fields. Among the four mega-projects of the 15-year Science and Technology Development Plan (2006?2020), one was quantum information system research, with an annual investment of $244 million. In October last year, President Xi Jinping personally emphasized accelerating the development of quantum information technology at a seminar hosted by the Central Political Bureau of the Communist Party.

The European Union (EU) is investing in basic R&D through an $1.1 billion Quantum Technology Flagship program. The EU aims to lead future global industries and plans to utilize quantum technology as a solution to global challenges such as energy, health, environment, and security. Notably, the United Kingdom established a five-year plan in 2013, investing $440 million in the national quantum technology program, and announced an additional investment of $105 million in September 2018.

Canada is also considered a key player. R&D began in 1999 through private investment, led by the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and the University of Waterloo. From 2018 to last year, the University of Waterloo alone received $11.5 million in R&D funding. Japan is actively pursuing quantum computer development centered around NTT. In November 2019, NTT, in collaboration with NASA and others, developed a new type of quantum computer using optical communication technology, aiming for commercialization within the next decade.

The South Korean government has also begun full-scale efforts by increasing budget investments and organizing cooperative systems among research institutions. On June 30, the Ministry of Science and ICT founded the industry-academia-research joint "Future Quantum Convergence Forum." Its goals include establishing a virtuous cycle system for quantum technology and industry, creating an ecosystem foundation, providing technical advice, discovering industrial application models, and conducting joint research. The Moon Jae-in administration has been proactive in quantum information technology research as part of the Digital New Deal project. At the May summit between South Korea and the U.S., both leaders agreed on scientific and technological exchange and cooperation, explicitly mentioning "quantum technology" in the joint statement and annex. The Special Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Technology and Convergence also was amended to include "support for strengthening and revitalizing the competitiveness of quantum technology." At the end of April, a long-term strategy was established and is being pursued to build a 50-qubit-class Korean quantum computing system by 2024, strengthen technology development, and secure 1,000 core research personnel (currently 150).