The European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC) has just published its recommendations for the EU’s Quantum Strategy, a document packed with insights, warnings, and, most importantly, opportunities. Carlos Kuchkovsky, CEO of QCentroid, has been one of the key contributors to this work, leveraging his experience as the former Head of Innovation at BBVA, as well as leading the work of the European Quantum Flagship on benchmarking and standardization. As he puts it in the recommendations, addressing organizations across Europe:
The challenge isn’t whether Quantum Computing will be relevant, but how fast companies can adapt.
But before you assume this is just another policy paper, slow down and take a look at our breakdown because details matter at this time. If you’re leading a company in finance, healthcare, logistics, or any data-heavy industry, what happens in quantum doesn’t stay in quantum. It’s about to change the way you do business.
Key Takeaways from the QuIC Report: What Matters for Business?
1. QuIC Recommends Europe Build Its Own Full-Stack Quantum Computer (Because Who Likes Dependencies?)
QuIC advises Europe to push for a “Made in Europe” quantum stack—hardware, software, and everything in between. The goal? Less reliance on non-European tech, more strategic independence.
Why you should care: Right now, quantum computing breakthroughs often come from the US, China, or Australia, for example. A strong European ecosystem means local businesses get better access, potentially with government-backed incentives. If you’re in an industry that needs high-powered computation (finance, logistics, pharmaceuticals), this is good news.
2. A Stronger Quantum Supply Chain (So We Don’t Have Another Chip Crisis, But With Qubits)
QuIC stresses the need for Europe to strengthen its quantum supply chain—funding research, securing raw materials, and creating a resilient network.
Why you should care: A stable supply chain means fewer bottlenecks when your business is ready to experiment with quantum solutions. It also means better pricing and competitive access to quantum hardware, reducing reliance on non-EU providers.
3. Making Europe a Quantum Investment Hotspot (Translation: Money Talks, Let’s Keep It Here)
QuIC’s recommendation? More incentives, better funding models, and smoother regulations to make Europe a more attractive place for quantum startups and investors.
Why you should care: If you’re considering dipping your toes into quantum, either through partnerships or direct investment, Europe is working on making it easier and more lucrative. Expect more accelerators, funding pools, and potential tax benefits.
4. Quantum Standards & Benchmarks (Because Right Now, It’s a Bit of a Wild West)
Quantum computing today is like the early days of AI—everyone’s hyped, but there’s little standardization. Europe wants to lead the way in setting benchmarks for performance, security, and interoperability.
Why you should care: If your company is considering quantum tech, clear standards will help you compare solutions apples-to-apples rather than trying to decode marketing jargon from different vendors. It also makes integration with existing IT infrastructure smoother. An insider tip: you can already compare many of the quantum solutions from various providers head-to-head with the QCentroid platform.
5. Turning Intellectual Property into Revenue (Instead of Just Cool Science)
Europe has world-class quantum research but has historically lagged in commercialization. The strategy aims to change that by improving how quantum intellectual property (IP) is protected and monetized. QuIC recommends that Europe focus on better protecting and commercializing quantum intellectual property.
Why you should care: More structured IP policies mean that investing in quantum won’t just be for big tech players. Mid-sized enterprises and even non-tech companies can find commercial angles, whether through licensing, collaborations, or applied research projects.
6. Building a Quantum Workforce (Because Someone Has to Understand This Stuff)
QuIC calls for major investment in education, training, and reskilling initiatives to ensure Europe has enough quantum-literate professionals—not just scientists, but also business leaders who know how to implement the tech.
Why you should care: Finding skilled quantum professionals today is like trying to hire blockchain developers in 2015—difficult and expensive. A structured workforce plan means better talent pipelines for businesses wanting to explore quantum applications.
7. Keeping European Quantum Independent (So We Don’t Have to Beg for Access Later)
Security is a major concern. QuIC emphasizes the need for European control over critical quantum technologies, especially cloud-based quantum services, whether in banking, defense, or healthcare.
Why you should care: If your business handles sensitive data, future EU regulations might favor quantum solutions developed and hosted within Europe. Getting ahead of compliance now could save you a lot of headaches later.
8. Quantum for Sustainability & Social Good (Not Just for Science Fiction Plots)
QuIC recommends that quantum support broader sustainability goals—both environmental and social. This includes promoting responsible innovation, supporting green quantum tech, and aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Why you should care: As ESG reporting gets more serious, quantum applications in climate modeling, sustainable supply chains, and green energy could unlock real efficiencies and regulatory advantages. Plus, inclusive frameworks mean a more diverse future talent pool—and better optics for your brand.
Final Thoughts: What Should Businesses Do Now?
- Start preparing for quantum computing. You don’t need a quantum team yet, but understanding potential applications in your industry will prepare you for the next step.
- Keep an eye on EU funding and incentives. There is money available to support early adoption.
- Consider partnerships. Why take all the risks and a budget hit going it alone? Join forces with one or more quantum teams at startups and vendors and share the burden. You help them advance, they help you get answers you need.
If you’re curious about how quantum computing could impact your business, now is the time to start paying attention.
Want to dive deeper? Read the full QuIC recommendations here and book a demo with our team.