[Column] The Future of Korea's Quantum Competitiveness Seen from the United States

Finnish Equipment Stands Beside IBM Computers
Finland Invests in Quantum After Nokia’s Decline
Korea Must Build a Quantum Ecosystem Including Core Component Suppliers

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit several quantum computing companies in the United States. These included the IonQ laboratory in Maryland and the IBM Watson Research Center in New York. Both companies are deeply engaged in intense research on quantum computers, which are expected to transform the research environment of the future. Their computers have already been installed or are scheduled to be installed in Korea.

While observing quantum computers, something caught my eye. There was a system bearing a logo that was not IBM's. It was labeled "Bluefors." When I asked an employee if this referred to the Finnish company Bluefors, they replied, "Yes." The fact that IBM displays the Bluefors logo so prominently demonstrates how important this collaboration is to IBM. It is an acknowledgment that Bluefors provides core equipment essential to the operation of their computers.

Finland faced a crisis after the decline of Nokia, which once dominated the global mobile phone market. In response, Finland made the strategic decision at the national level to foster the quantum industry, strengthening the entire ecosystem of core components in partnership with materials, parts, and equipment companies. These policies are now bearing fruit, as exemplified by Bluefors.

An IBM representative is explaining the equipment of Blueforce, a Finnish company that supports the operation of their quantum computers. Photo by Jangmin Baek, Tech Specialist

While I was in the United States, Baek Kyunghoon, Minister of Science and ICT, visited the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, a quantum computer development institution in Daejeon, and announced, "We will establish a comprehensive quantum plan by the end of the year." Minister Baek emphasized, "The convergence of AI and quantum technology is crucial for Korea to become a powerhouse in AI," and, "If we do not want to miss the right moment, we must build the infrastructure now."

Minister Baek's declaration should serve as a signal for a strategic shift. Although we have begun developing quantum computers later and are adopting American quantum computers, we must not neglect the overall composition of the ecosystem.

Just as Finland has proven the strength of its ecosystem by supplying IBM's research center with cooling systems, Korea can do the same. To achieve this, Korea must accelerate the creation of a quantum ecosystem that connects national research institutes, companies, and academia.

There are also encouraging developments. The Finnish quantum computing company IQM has begun supporting an industry-academia-research program with Chungbuk National University, enabling students to study quantum computing. This demonstrates a strong willingness to collaborate. Korea should take advantage of such opportunities.

The convergence of AI and quantum, the establishment of a quantum ecosystem, and the expansion of industry-academia-research cooperation are not merely science and technology policies-they are critical tasks that will determine the nation's future competitiveness. If we do not act swiftly starting now, we risk missing out on these opportunities.