This chapter presents a synthesis of key recommendations gathered through interviews with stakeholders across the Nordic quantum ecosystem. These perspectives are further examined in the Policy Alignment section, which compares stakeholder input with formal Nordic and European quantum strategies. The insights from interviews reflect a shared ambition to strengthen Nordic collaboration in quantum technologies through practical, forward-looking measures. The suggestions span critical areas such as policy and governance, funding, infrastructure, education, and international cooperation. Interviewees emphasized the need for long-term, sustainable funding models, streamlined cross-border collaboration, and coordinated governance structures to ensure strategic alignment and impact.
These perspectives are shaped not only by regional dynamics but also by the broader international context previously outlined in this report, where major global actors have launched ambitious national quantum strategies and large-scale initiatives. Against this backdrop, the Nordic region must consider how to position itself strategically and collaboratively in a rapidly evolving global quantum landscape.
Preconditions – Policy and Governance
Level of Funding and Investment
Increase public and private investment in quantum technology.
Quantum technology represents one of the most promising yet challenging frontiers in science and innovation, requiring substantial and sustained investment to realize its potential. As emphasized in the Danish context, the development of a full-stack quantum computer and the supporting ecosystem, ranging from advanced materials and chip fabrication to algorithms and applications, demands resources far beyond what individual institutions or countries can provide alone. Public investment is essential to support foundational research, infrastructure, and education, while private investment plays a critical role in accelerating innovation, scaling technologies, and bridging the gap to commercialization. The success of initiatives like the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s Quantum Computing Program and Quantum Foundry Copenhagen illustrates how strategic private funding can complement public efforts to build world-class capabilities. To remain competitive globally and ensure that the Nordic region contributes meaningfully to the quantum revolution, it is vital to expand both public and private investment across the entire quantum value chain.
Policy Support for Basic Research
Support basic research in quantum technology, as it forms the foundation for future innovations.
Basic research is the cornerstone of progress in quantum technology, particularly because the field remains in an early, exploratory phase where many of the foundational principles and components are still under development. As emphasized in the Norwegian context, quantum technologies such as sensing and communication are not yet mature enough for widespread industrial application, meaning that the bulk of innovation still depends on academic research. Institutions like MiNaLab, in collaboration with SINTEF, are conducting essential experimental work on quantum materials and sensors, but these efforts are still relatively small and fragmented. Without sustained investment in fundamental research, there is a risk that the Nordic region will fall behind in developing the scientific knowledge and technical capabilities needed to participate in future breakthroughs. Supporting basic research not only builds the intellectual infrastructure for innovation but also helps identify and nurture the next generation of scientific leaders who will drive the field forward.
Long-Term, Sustainable Funding
Establish long-term, sustainable funding to support quantum technology research and education, ensuring initiatives are not short-term projects but have continuous and stable funding.
Several stakeholders across the Nordic quantum ecosystem emphasize the critical need for long-term, stable funding to ensure the success and continuity of quantum technology initiatives. As noted by multiple interviewees, quantum research is inherently long-term and resource-intensive, requiring sustained investment to build infrastructure, attract and retain talent, and develop viable technologies. For instance, both the Wallenberg Foundation’s strategic program WACQT and Novo Nordisk Foundation’s Quantum Computing Program are designed to run over more than a decade, recognizing that breakthroughs in quantum computing and sensing demand continuity beyond typical short-term project cycles. Similarly, in Finland and Norway, researchers highlighted the challenges of maintaining momentum and building critical mass without predictable funding streams. Without long-term support, promising initiatives risk fragmentation, loss of expertise, and missed opportunities for global competitiveness. Therefore, establishing sustainable funding mechanisms is essential to foster innovation, build robust educational pipelines, and ensure that Nordic countries remain at the forefront of quantum technology development.
Collaborative Funding Programs
Create joint funding programs involving contributions from multiple Nordic countries to overcome cross-border funding challenges and support research and innovation in quantum technology.
Cross-border collaboration in quantum technology across the Nordic region is often hindered by fragmented national funding structures and the absence of mechanisms for shared investment. Several Nordic researchers and stakeholders have pointed out that while there is strong scientific interest in working together, the lack of coordinated funding makes it difficult to launch and sustain joint projects. For example, efforts to establish shared infrastructure, organize joint doctoral schools, or support mobility between institutions are frequently constrained by administrative and financial barriers. In some cases, promising bilateral or multilateral initiatives have struggled to move forward due to the absence of matching funds or compatible funding timelines across countries. A joint Nordic funding program would help overcome these challenges by aligning national priorities, pooling resources, and enabling more ambitious and integrated research and innovation efforts. Such a program could also strengthen the region’s global competitiveness by fostering a more cohesive and collaborative quantum ecosystem.
Coordination and Governance
Establish a coordinating body to oversee and facilitate Nordic collaboration in quantum technology, managing joint initiatives and coordinating funding.
Establishing a coordinating body to oversee and facilitate Nordic collaboration in quantum technology is essential for building a cohesive and effective regional ecosystem. As highlighted in the summary of Nordita’s strategic vision, the absence of a centralized framework has made it difficult to align efforts, share resources, and maintain momentum across national boundaries. Nordita has already taken steps toward establishing a Nordic Quantum Platform, recognizing the need for a dedicated coordinator to manage joint scientific programs, workshops, and educational initiatives. The coordinator was officially hired in August 2025 to manage these efforts. However, progress remains constrained without stable and structured support. A formal coordinating body would provide the necessary infrastructure to streamline collaboration, reduce duplication, and ensure that Nordic countries can leverage their complementary strengths in a strategic and unified manner.
Such a body could also play a critical role in coordinating funding efforts, addressing the challenge of fragmented national funding systems that often hinder cross-border projects. By managing joint initiatives and facilitating communication among stakeholders, the coordinating body would help optimize resource distribution, promote mobility, and align Nordic efforts with broader European and global quantum strategies. This would not only enhance the region’s competitiveness but also ensure that investments in quantum technology yield long-term, collective benefits. Such activities could shown significant benefit by directly highlighting to the EU the advantages for investment into the Nordics.
A model worth considering is the EuroQCI program, part of the Connecting Europe Facility, which is designed to link national quantum communication infrastructures across borders. However, its success depends on strong governmental co-funding.
Focus on Strengths
Concentrate on areas where Nordic countries have existing strengths rather than competing directly with larger countries in all areas of quantum technology.
Given the scale of global investments in quantum technology by countries like the United States and China, it is neither strategic nor feasible for smaller Nordic countries to compete across the entire spectrum of quantum research. Instead, focusing on areas of established strength offers a more effective path to impact and leadership. As highlighted in the Norwegian context, quantum sensing has emerged as a particularly promising niche, with strong experimental capabilities centred around facilities like MiNaLab and partnerships with institutions such as SINTEF. Danish collaborators have also recognized this as one of the most compelling aspects of Norwegian quantum research. By concentrating efforts and resources on such areas where Nordic countries already possess infrastructure, expertise, and industrial relevance the region can build globally competitive capabilities without diluting impact across too many fronts. This targeted approach also aligns well with the broader Nordic strategy of fostering complementary strengths and avoiding unnecessary duplication in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Enablers – Infrastructure and Resources
Infrastructure Sharing and Access to Research Facilities
Share and develop advanced quantum infrastructure across the Nordic region to enable effective collaboration, maximize investment impact, and accelerate regional leadership in quantum science and technology.
Effective collaboration in quantum technology across the Nordic region would benefit greatly from more seamless sharing of infrastructure and resources. By concentrating efforts and resources in areas where Nordic countries already have infrastructure, expertise, and industrial relevance, the region can build globally competitive capabilities. This focus helps avoid spreading resources too thin across multiple fronts.
As highlighted in the Swedish-Finnish collaboration on photonic quantum technologies, researchers often face significant administrative and legal hurdles when attempting to work across borders, even on small-scale projects. For instance, efforts to integrate Swedish cryogenic quantum technology with Finnish silicon photonics platforms encountered delays due to institutional bureaucracy, including negotiating non-disclosure agreements and navigating differing legal frameworks. These barriers can be especially discouraging when the scientific and technological synergies are clear, and the geographical distance is minimal.
Given the high cost and complexity of quantum facilities, there is a strong emphasis on creating shared resources that can be accessed by multiple institutions and researchers. For example, the collaboration between Chalmers University and Aalto University on single quantum detection leverages Chalmers’ cleanroom capabilities, demonstrating how shared infrastructure can support cutting-edge research without duplicating effort.
Promoting cross-border access to unique facilities and specialized equipment is essential for maximizing the value of existing investments. Initiatives like Otanano in Finland, a national infrastructure for nanoscience and quantum technologies, exemplify how centralized platforms can serve both academic and industrial users.
To fully realize the potential of Nordic collaboration, future efforts should focus on:
- Reducing bureaucratic friction to accelerate joint research
- Expanding access to physical quantum infrastructure
- Coordinating investments to ensure equitable access across institutions and countries
This collaborative and streamlined approach will not only enhance the region’s capacity for innovation but also help build a resilient and self-sufficient quantum technology supply chain, establishing the Nordics as a global reference point in quantum science and technology.
Access to Quantum Computing Resources and Hybrid Infrastructure
Ensure broad, hands-on access to quantum computing infrastructure and invest in hybrid systems to empower research, accelerate innovation, and strengthen Nordic competitiveness.
Expanding access to quantum computing resources and facilities is critical for advancing cutting-edge research, driving innovation, and maintaining the Nordic region’s competitiveness in the global quantum arena. High-quality infrastructure, such as quantum processors, fabrication facilities, and testbeds, plays a pivotal role in enabling both academic and industrial progress. Initiatives like the Quantum Foundry Copenhagen and Sweden’s WACQT testbed highlight the value of providing researchers and companies with direct access to quantum hardware and simulation platforms. These facilities not only support experimentation and development but also serve as essential training environments for future quantum scientists and engineers.
Complementing these efforts, the NordIQuest project, under the Nordic e-Infrastructure Collaboration (NeIC), has established a robust foundation for shared access to high-performance computing and quantum-related infrastructure. This initiative exemplifies how coordinated regional efforts can enhance collaboration, reduce duplication, and improve the overall efficiency of resource utilization across national boundaries.
Looking ahead, researchers and developers in quantum computing increasingly emphasize that quantum computing will inherently rely on hybrid models that combine quantum and classical systems. This reflects the complementary strengths of each architecture and underscores the strategic importance of integrating quantum computing with high-performance computing (QC-HPC) systems. Although these technologies are at different stages of maturity, their convergence is seen as essential for unlocking new capabilities and accelerating innovation.
Realizing the full potential of QC-HPC integration will require sustained investment in shared infrastructure, the development of hybrid algorithms, and the coordination of research programs across the region. These initiatives will help place the Nordics among the internationally recognized contributors to next-generation computing and ensure a durable presence in the evolving global quantum ecosystem.
Mechanisms for Action – Collaboration in Practice
Education and Training
Develop coordinated education and training programs to build a strong talent pool in quantum technology, including joint PhD and postdoctoral programs.
Building a robust talent pipeline is essential for the Nordic region to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving field of quantum technology. Stakeholders across the region emphasized that education and training are foundational to sustaining long-term leadership in quantum research and innovation. In Sweden, the WACQT initiative has placed a strong emphasis on education, leading to the recruitment of assistant professors, the establishment of a national graduate school, and the training of over a hundred PhD students. These efforts ensure that the next generation of researchers is well-equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in quantum computing, sensing, and communication. Such national efforts provide a strong foundation for broader regional coordination.
As highlighted in the Danish context, there is already recognition of the importance of workforce development. One cross-border initiative is the Niels Bohr Institute’s collaboration with the University of Oslo on a jointly funded postdoctoral project. Initiatives such as the Finnish-Swedish postdoctoral program further demonstrate the value of structured mobility and shared research efforts. These examples demonstrate the feasibility and value of cross-border training programs that leverage complementary expertise and infrastructure.
Moreover, institutions like Nordita are well-positioned to coordinate educational efforts, particularly in theoretical physics, and could play a central role in facilitating student exchanges and shared curricula. Coordinated Nordic PhD and postdoctoral programs would not only enhance the quality of training but also foster a sense of regional identity and collaboration among emerging researchers. By pooling resources and aligning educational strategies, Nordic countries can cultivate a highly skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and sustaining long-term leadership in quantum technologies.
Furthermore, coordinated efforts like the Nordic Quantum network and Nordita’s role in organizing joint summer schools and doctoral courses show that cross-border collaboration can address challenges such as limited student numbers in specialized fields. By harmonizing educational and research strategies, Nordic countries can create a more integrated and dynamic research environment. This approach not only enhances scientific excellence but also strengthens the region’s position in the global quantum landscape. To fully realize these benefits, sustained investment and strategic coordination are needed to support long-term, impactful partnerships.
International Collaboration
Complement Nordic collaboration with strong international partnerships, building connections with leading researchers and institutions globally.
While strengthening Nordic collaboration is essential, it must be complemented by robust international partnerships to ensure global competitiveness in quantum technology. As emphasized by leaders in the Danish quantum ecosystem, building connections with top institutions worldwide, such as MIT, Berkeley, TU Delft, and Toronto, has been instrumental in advancing cutting-edge research and infrastructure. These collaborations provide access to specialized capabilities, such as ion implantation and advanced fabrication techniques, that may not be available within the Nordic region. Moreover, engaging globally allows Nordic researchers to benchmark their progress, attract top talent, and stay at the forefront of technological innovation. By combining regional strengths with global excellence, the Nordics can position themselves as a key player in the international quantum landscape.
Networks
Strengthening existing networks
Leverage and expand existing networks to strengthen Nordic and international collaboration in quantum technology.
Leveraging and expanding existing networks is a powerful strategy for strengthening both Nordic and international collaboration in quantum technology. The Nordic Quantum network, coordinated by Nordita, plays a key role in facilitating collaboration among researchers, promoting the sharing of resources, and supporting joint educational initiatives. This network is particularly valuable for organizing summer schools and joint courses, which are essential for gathering a critical mass of students in highly specialized areas of quantum science, something that individual institutions often struggle to achieve alone.
In parallel, the Nordic Quantum Life Science Roundtable exemplifies a successful bottom-up initiative. It brings together stakeholders from across the Nordic countries to discuss key topics such as research support, innovation, and ecosystem development at the intersection of quantum technology and life sciences. These kinds of networks not only foster scientific exchange but also help align strategic priorities and build a more cohesive and competitive Nordic presence in the global quantum landscape. Strengthening and expanding such platforms will be crucial for sustaining momentum and ensuring long-term impact.
Establishing New Collaborative Platforms
Establish new, agile Nordic platforms that unite researchers, industry, and funders to co-develop roadmaps, share infrastructure, and coordinate investments in quantum technology.
Establishing new collaborative platforms is essential to strengthen and scale Nordic efforts in quantum technology. While existing networks like the Nordic Quantum network and the Nordic Quantum Life Science Roundtable have laid important groundwork, there is a clear opportunity to build more structured, agile, and goal-oriented platforms that can drive both scientific and technological progress. As highlighted in discussions around strategic initiatives, certain challenges, such as building a full-stack quantum computer or developing advanced quantum sensing applications, require coordination beyond what open competition alone can achieve. New platforms could bring together researchers, industry, and funders across the Nordic region to co-develop focused roadmaps, share infrastructure, and align investments. These platforms should be designed to be flexible, responsive to emerging needs, and capable of integrating both bottom-up scientific input and top-down strategic direction. By doing so, they can help the Nordic region maintain a competitive edge and foster innovation across the entire quantum value chain.
Research and Development
Facilitating Knowledge Exchange and Researcher Mobility
Promote researcher mobility and exchange to strengthen collaboration and build a skilled Nordic quantum workforce.
Researcher mobility is a cornerstone of a vibrant quantum ecosystem. Programs like the Swedish-Finnish postdoctoral exchange have proven effective in fostering collaboration and aligning research agendas across borders. These exchanges enhance mutual understanding, promote shared use of infrastructure, and build networks of complementary expertise.
Initiatives such as the Nordic Quantum network, supported by institutions like Nordita, are laying the foundation for joint summer schools and specialized doctoral courses. These programs are especially valuable in niche areas where individual institutions may lack critical mass. By promoting structured mobility and knowledge exchange, the Nordic region can cultivate a new generation of quantum scientists equipped with diverse perspectives and collaborative experience.
Advancing Collaborative Research and Joint R&D in Quantum Technology
Foster structured, cross-border research and development collaborations to align Nordic strengths, share infrastructure, and accelerate scalable quantum innovation.
Collaborative research and joint R&D initiatives are essential for advancing quantum technology in the Nordic region, where expertise and infrastructure are distributed across multiple countries and institutions. Large-scale efforts such as Sweden’s WACQT and Denmark’s NQCP demonstrate the value of structured partnerships, both within and across borders. These initiatives have enabled researchers to co-develop technologies, share infrastructure, and build complementary expertise in areas like superconducting qubits, quantum sensing, and chip fabrication.
Cross-border collaborations also foster a more integrated ecosystem by connecting academia, industry, and government stakeholders. For example, partnerships with companies in sectors such as defence, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors have helped align academic research with real-world applications. Joint projects like the Aarhus–Oslo postdoctoral collaboration and partnerships with Finnish firms such as SemiQon illustrate how pooling Nordic strengths can address complex challenges more effectively.
To maximize impact, these collaborations should be supported by:
- Flexible funding mechanisms
- Streamlined administrative processes
- Long-term commitments
- Shared roadmaps and infrastructure
By coordinating strategic goals and reducing duplication, the Nordic region can accelerate the development of scalable quantum technologies and enhance its global competitiveness.
Industry and Innovation
Strengthening industry-academia partnerships
Establish structured industry-academia partnerships to align research with industrial needs, accelerate commercialization, and strengthen the Nordic quantum innovation ecosystem.
Strengthening industry-academia partnerships is essential for accelerating the development and commercialization of quantum technologies. The NQCP and its associated Quantum Foundry Copenhagen exemplify how close collaboration between academic institutions and industry can create a robust innovation ecosystem. These partnerships enable the translation of cutting-edge research into scalable technologies by aligning academic exploration with industrial needs, such as the fabrication of ultra-pure quantum chips and the development of full-stack quantum computing platforms.
Moreover, industry-academia collaboration fosters mutual benefits: companies gain access to world-class research and talent, while academic institutions benefit from real-world challenges, funding opportunities, and pathways to impact. NQCP’s model of engaging with global and Nordic industrial partners, such as SemiQon in Finland, demonstrates how shared goals and complementary capabilities can drive progress. To fully leverage this potential, structured programs that support joint R&D, shared infrastructure, and co-funded positions are needed. These partnerships not only enhance technological competitiveness but also help build a resilient and dynamic quantum innovation landscape in the Nordic region. Raising quantum awareness across the broader industry sector will be key to unlocking new applications and accelerating adoption.
Supporting quantum technology startups and spin-offs
Support quantum startups and spin-offs through targeted funding, incubators, and academic entrepreneurship to accelerate commercialization and grow a competitive Nordic quantum industry.
Supporting quantum technology startups and spin-offs is critical for translating scientific breakthroughs into real-world applications and building a competitive innovation ecosystem. Denmark has taken a proactive approach by establishing initiatives like the Deep Tech Lab Quantum and Quantum Denmark, which provide startups with access to advanced infrastructure, packaging capabilities, and proximity to leading research environments such as the Niels Bohr Institute. These initiatives not only lower the barrier to entry for new ventures but also foster a dynamic interface between academia and industry, where ideas can rapidly evolve into scalable technologies.
Startups play a vital role in driving innovation, agility, and commercialization in the quantum sector. They often explore niche applications, develop specialized components, and attract private investment that complements public research funding. By supporting these ventures through targeted funding, incubator programs, and access to shared facilities, Nordic countries can accelerate the development of a robust quantum industry. Moreover, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship within academic institutions, through spin-off support, IP flexibility, and mentorship, ensures that groundbreaking research does not remain confined to the lab but contributes to economic growth and technological leadership.
Joint use cases research to innovation
Support joint use case research that links fundamental science with real-world applications to accelerate impactful quantum innovation across sectors.
Supporting joint use case research that bridges the gap between fundamental science and real-world innovation is essential for unlocking the full potential of quantum technologies. The Danish ecosystem, particularly through the NQCP, has adopted a layered approach that integrates applications and algorithms research with hardware development. This structure enables researchers to explore concrete use cases, such as quantum-enhanced simulations or materials discovery, while simultaneously advancing the underlying technologies needed to realize them. By aligning research with practical challenges, joint use case initiatives help ensure that quantum innovations are not only scientifically significant but also societally and economically relevant.
Moreover, joint use case research fosters collaboration across disciplines and sectors, bringing together academia, startups, and industry to co-develop solutions. This approach accelerates the translation of quantum capabilities into applications in fields like pharmaceuticals, logistics, and cybersecurity. It also provides a framework for iterative feedback between users and developers, which is crucial for refining both hardware and software. To maximize impact, Nordic countries should invest in coordinated programs that support cross-border, cross-sector use case development; leveraging shared infrastructure, complementary expertise, and a common vision for innovation.
The key themes and priorities identified here directly inform the Recommendations for Nordic Policymakers, ensuring that proposed actions are grounded in stakeholder experience.