Data and Qualitative Analysis
Initially, I asked national funding agencies for a 30-minute conversation to gather insights and identify key institutions and contacts within quantum technology in each country. Additional contacts were gathered from discussions with Nordic Innovation colleagues and interviews with experts. In total, I interviewed more than 30 persons from six countries. These were mainly researchers and research leaders, but also public and private funding agency representatives.
Candidates were contacted by email with requests for 60-minute interviews. The interviews were subjected to qualitative analysis following a multi-step procedure. Initially, the interviews were transcribed, converting the audio recordings into written text. Subsequently, the transcripts were examined to identify recurring themes, patterns, and categories within the interview responses. Following this identification process, the material was analysed further to extract key themes and insights, which were then utilized to inform lessons, recommendations, and conclusions.
Interview Blueprint
The interview sessions started with me outlining the purpose of the study. The aim of the interviews was to gather valuable insights from key stakeholders in quantum technology to enhance collaboration and drive innovation across the Nordic region.
The approach involved conducting semi-structured interviews, allowing for flexible yet focused conversations. Each interview was recorded, transcribed, reviewed, and analysed. Participants remained anonymous, and their consent for recording was requested.
There were specific questions for different groups like funding agencies, researchers, innovators, industry reps, private foundations, and national providers of digital infrastructure. The general questions focus on various aspects of quantum technology, including roles, funding situations, strategic priorities, current research projects, challenges in bringing innovations to market, company involvement, foundation priorities, and the state of high-performance computing (HPC) and quantum technology infrastructure. These questions aim to gather comprehensive insights into the development, implementation, and support of quantum technology in different contexts.
The National-Level Questions aim to understand how the transition from basic research to applied research and commercialization is supported, as well as the development and maintenance of quantum technology infrastructure in the country. They seek insights into collaboration with private foundations in funding quantum technology projects and the support provided for the commercialization and industrial adoption of quantum technologies. Additionally, the questions address the management of risks associated with funding high-risk, high-reward quantum technology projects and the strategies to tackle the shortage of skilled labour in the quantum computing sector.
The Nordic-Level Questions focus on exploring the potential for increased cooperation among Nordic countries in funding quantum technology initiatives. They seek to understand how funding agencies can better support cross-border sharing of resources like infrastructure and testbeds, and how Nordic institutions can enhance research efforts. Additionally, the questions aim to identify ways to create a more favourable environment for industry investment in quantum technology and how private foundations can contribute to enhancing Nordic cooperation in this field.
The EU-Level Questions focus on understanding how national strategies align with EU initiatives and how collaboration with EU initiatives on quantum technology is currently being managed. They also seek to identify the benefits of enhancing cooperation with EU researchers and innovators in quantum technology. Additionally, the questions aim to explore ways to better align Nordic and EU research efforts to support the development of quantum technology.
The interviews were concluded by asking for any additional thoughts or key contacts that the interviewees might want to add.
Input from Focus Groups and National Reviewers
To validate the findings, two focus group sessions were held in August and September 2025: one with quantum and e-infrastructure providers from Denmark, Finland, and Norway, and one with 16 leading Nordic quantum researchers, facilitated by the Nordic Quantum network. Providers stressed prioritization, federated access, and leveraging existing initiatives such as NordIQuEst. Researchers emphasized inclusive governance, long-term funding, talent mobility, and balanced national representation. Together, their input grounded the report in both strategic vision and practical feasibility (see Appendix III).
In parallel, a draft of the report was circulated to national experts across the Nordic and Baltic countries with a request for feedback. Experts were invited to review the sections describing their respective national quantum landscapes and, where possible, to share and coordinate input from other stakeholders. These contributions aimed to help reflect each country’s perspective as accurately and thoughtfully as possible in the final version.
Desk Study
I have reviewed the available national strategy and position papers on quantum technology from various Nordic countries, as well as documents from outside the Nordics. Additionally, I have examined European strategies to gain an understanding of the current landscape and collaborative efforts in quantum technology development.
Interactions with Nordic Innovation
During my work, I benefitted greatly from interaction with colleagues in Nordic Innovation. In particular, the Mapping of Nordic-Baltic Quantum Ecosystem project, aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the quantum technology landscape across the Nordic and Baltic region. The project, in collaboration with VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, focused on identifying and analysing key players, initiatives, best practices, strategies, and opportunities within the quantum sector. It also assessed the maturity levels of quantum research and development, highlighted potential areas for collaboration and growth, and informed policy and investment decisions with data-driven insights. The project sought to catalyse collaboration among academia, industry, and government stakeholders, strengthen the region's competitive edge, drive economic growth through quantum advancements, and support informed decision-making for long-term technology roadmaps. VTT collected data through surveys, interviews, and stakeholder workshops, and produced a comprehensive report and visualization of the ecosystem, which was published in June 2025 (3).
Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Events
In addition to the structured interactions outlined in the Focus Groups section, I also had the opportunity to engage with stakeholders and subject-matter experts throughout the through the following meetings and networking activities:
- Joint meeting of NORDHORCs and NordForsk Board, Stockholm, 18. March. Following the Stockholm meeting, the NordForsk Board decided to draft a proposal for a 10-year strategy for Nordic collaboration in research and innovation on quantum technology, involving the national funders of research and innovation, Nordic Innovation, and the Nordic Council of Ministers Secretariat.
- On April 3, 2025, I presented preliminary findings to the Nordic e-Infrastructure Collaboration (NeIC) in Oslo and discussed infrastructure-related aspects of Nordic quantum cooperation.
- I was invited to give a presentation at the QIT Norway 2025 Workshop; a two-day event hosted by Simula Research Laboratory, Oslo Metropolitan University, and Sigma2, which took place on May 12-13, 2025. The workshop brought together quantum experts and enthusiasts for inspiring presentations and gave me the opportunity to engage in discussions on various topics in quantum technology, including quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum-secure communication, and quantum AI.
- I participated in The IQT Nordics 2025 event, which took place in Gothenburg, Sweden, from May 20-22, 2025, focusing on real-world applications and progress enabled by quantum technology. In additions to very interesting discussions and contacts this also gave me the opportunity to visit Chalmers Next Labs at Chalmers University of Technology.
- I was invited to participate in a panel discussion during the Finnish Quantum Days 2025 event, hosted by InstituteQ and the Finnish Quantum Flagship. The event took place on September 3-4, 2025. It celebrated 60 years of low-temperature quantum science and technology in Finland, marked the official co-launch of the Finnish Quantum Strategy with the Finnish government, and honoured UNESCO’s International Year of Quantum.