As global companies divert an increasing share of their budgets towards quantum technology, a new study by IBM highlights major obstacles to overcome. The lack of specialized talent and the absence of a clear strategy hinder progress in this promising field. What challenges need to be addressed for quantum computing to become a tangible reality in businesses?
The 3 key points not to miss
- 11% of companies’ R&D budgets are now dedicated to quantum computing.
- 61% of organizations struggle to find quantum technology experts.
- Companies with an existing quantum strategy anticipate a higher ROI by 2030.
Increasing investments, lagging preparation
According to the study conducted by the IBM Institute for Business Value, companies are currently allocating 11% of their research and development budgets to quantum computing. Despite this significant investment, the average quantum readiness index of companies does not exceed 28 out of 100. This gap highlights the need to improve internal preparation to fully benefit from this technology.
The lack of qualified talent is proving to be the main obstacle to this transition. About 61% of surveyed companies face difficulties in recruiting quantum technology experts, a problem that intensifies as quantum integration deepens.
Challenges related to technology and costs
Quantum technology, although booming, remains immature according to many organizations. The timelines for concrete applications lack clarity, and the cost of hardware remains a significant obstacle for companies wishing to enter this sector.
In companies where quantum computing is central to the strategy, the talent shortage reaches alarming levels, with 90% of organizations affected. This figure underscores the urgency of developing training programs and academic partnerships to bridge this gap.
Strategy and collaborations: growth drivers
Bart Windal, General Manager of IBM Belgium & Luxembourg, emphasizes the need for an evolutionary approach, both for AI and quantum, to ensure a satisfactory return on investment. Companies already engaged in a quantum strategy anticipate a higher ROI by 2030 compared to those still hesitating.
Experts present at the ‘Put AI to Work’ event in Brussels stressed the importance of European ecosystems. Petra Florizoone from IBM Quantum highlighted that Europe has robust research centers and effective industrial networks, but practical implementation remains to be realized.
Collaborations and future prospects
Raf Degens, General Manager of Corda Campus, emphasizes the crucial role played by collaborations between companies, startups, and academic institutions in developing quantum initiatives. In the financial sector, Thomas Rotté from KBC sees significant potential in risk modeling and portfolio optimization through quantum computing.
This IBM study, conducted with 750 executives in 28 countries, highlights the need for a clear strategy and significant investment in talent for Europe and the world to seize the opportunities offered by the quantum era.
Context and history of IBM in quantum technology
IBM, a major player in the technology sector, has always been at the forefront of innovation. The company has invested heavily in the development of quantum technology, opening research centers and collaborating with academic and industrial partners worldwide. IBM Quantum, the company’s specialized division, aims to make quantum computing accessible to businesses of all sizes, focusing on education and ecosystem development.
Since its inception, IBM Quantum has launched several initiatives to stimulate innovation in the quantum field, notably by developing cloud-accessible platforms, allowing researchers and companies to experiment with the power of quantum computing. This strategy has positioned IBM as a leader in the race to realize the potential of quantum computing.