This report assesses Nordic quantum collaboration across research, infrastructure, and innovation, outlining joint steps for funders and performers. Coordinated efforts can accelerate progress and strengthen the Nordics’ international position in quantum technologies.
Quantum computing, communication, and sensing are advancing rapidly, with transformative potential in cybersecurity, healthcare, energy, and finance. The Nordic countries offer complementary strengths—world-class research institutions, advanced infrastructure, and a tradition of collaboration.
Key findings:
- Strategic national investments have created a foundation for regional synergy.
- Stakeholders value pooling resources, aligning strategies, and joint innovation.
- Fragmented funding, limited infrastructure sharing, and administrative hurdles constrain collaboration.
- Existing initiatives (e.g., Nordic Quantum network, NordIQuEst, Nordic Quantum Life Science Roundtable) provide platforms for shared access and scale-up.
- Researchers and infrastructure providers strongly support joint funding, shared infrastructure, and inclusive governance.
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.
These recommendations are actionable and scalable, offering clear entry points for sponsors. By investing in shared Nordic initiatives, stakeholders can amplify impact, reduce duplication, and help shape a globally competitive quantum ecosystem rooted in Nordic values and excellence.