The report assesses Nordic quantum collaboration across research, infrastructure, and innovation in the five Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden and the three Baltic countries Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
Through analyses of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, the report outlines strategic opportunities, and collaborative potential of quantum technology across the Nordic-Baltic region.
The report is written by Gudmund Høst, special adviser at NordForsk. He says:
“We now have a golden opportunity to influence and play a key role in the development of new quantum technology. Seizing this opportunity calls for shared priorities, sustained investment, and open collaboration. The time to act is now — with purpose and pace.”
Findings and recommendations
A key finding is that quantum technology research in the Nordic-Baltic region is a vibrant and rapidly evolving field characterized by strong academic foundations, national initiatives, and growing industry engagement.
Researchers and infrastructure providers strongly support joint funding, shared infrastructure, and inclusive governance, and existing initiatives – such as the Nordic Quantum network – provide platforms for shared access and scale-up.
In addition, strategic national investments have created a foundation for regional synergy, in a region where stakeholders value pooling resources, aligning strategies, and joint innovation.
However, collaboration is limited by fragmented funding, limited infrastructure sharing, and administrative hurdles constrain collaboration.
To address these challenges and capitalise on opportunities, the report recommends:
- Launching a sustainable, region-wide funding program for research, infrastructure, and commercialization – drawing inspiration from the Nordic Top-level Research Initiative (TRI, 2009–2016).
- Building a Nordic framework for cross-border collaboration through a coordination forum to align strategies and streamline governance.
- Creating a federated infrastructure network with shared access to cleanrooms, testbeds, and laboratories.
- Strengthening industry–academia partnerships via innovation clusters, co-funded placements, and joint public-private R&D.
- Supporting a Nordic quantum startup ecosystem with incubators, accelerators, harmonized IP policies, and early-stage funding.
- Advancing talent and mobility through joint PhD programs, fellowships, and coordinated quantum literacy initiatives.
- Focusing on joint use-case development by identifying shared priorities, launching cross-border pilot projects, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.
"This is a timely and well written report, and I strongly support the recommendations, in particular the funding program for research, infrastructure, and commercialization. By putting actors from different sectors and countries together, we have a unique opportunity to take the lead in a strategically important area for decades to come", says Arne Flåøyen, Director of NordForsk.
At a glance
Why it matters now: near‑term impact in security, health, energy, and advanced manufacturing; growing EU momentum and funding instruments.
What the Nordics already have: strong research groups, national facilities, and active cross‑border networks.
What’s missing: friction in cross‑border access/funding; fragmented governance; talent mobility constraints.
This report does: prioritises joint actions where coordination changes outcomes (infrastructure access, funding mechanisms, talent, pilots).
