U.S. Lead in Quantum Information Science and Cutting-edge Technologies. The Whitehouse Office of Science and Technology Policy restated the U.S. strategic direction for Quantum Information Science, one of four key emerging technologies.
From the State of The Union address early this week, President Trump stated,
“I am eager to work with you on legislation to deliver new and important infrastructure investment, including investments in the cutting-edge industries of the future. This is not an option. This is a necessity.”
President Trump has focused on four key technologies that show promise of fueling U.S. cutting-edge technology lead. Quantum computing is, arguably, a tight race between the U.S. and China.
Specifically, the President’s effort in Quantum Information Science (QIS) stems from two documents, the National Quantum Initiative Act, a bipartisan legislation that accelerates the development of QIS and brings a coordinated Federal approach for quantum research and development. The NQIA was signed into law in late December, 2018, providing $1.2B in funds for Quantum Information Science throughout the U.S.
And, the National Strategic Overview for Quantum Information Science to guide Federal QIS actions, including the establishment of a Quantum Economic Development Consortium to build the QIS industrial ecosystem. The OSTP released this strategic overview in September, 2018.
5G, Advanced Manufacturing, and Artificial Intelligence, are the additional key emerging technologies the Whitehouse has eyed as cutting-edge industries. Together the four are necessities to keeping the U.S. technology lead, with Quantum Information Science a potential to being the foundation for all of them.
