Joint statement by the Nordic Prime Ministers and Heads of Government
The joint statement ”Laying the foundation for future Nordic advancements” issued on 25 May 2025 by the Nordic Prime Ministers and Heads of Government outlines a strategic and forward-looking commitment to advancing quantum technologies across the region. Recognizing the transformative potential of quantum computing, communication, sensing, and cryptography, the statement emphasizes the importance of deepening Nordic cooperation to remain at the forefront of global advancements in this field. Key policy objectives include fostering scientific and educational partnerships, aligning national funding programs, promoting ethical regulatory frameworks, and accelerating commercialization efforts. The statement also highlights the need for secure, interoperable supply chains and enhanced international collaboration. Crucially, stakeholders such as NordForsk are identified as instrumental in facilitating this agenda, particularly through their role in coordinating research and innovation efforts under the Nordic Council of Ministers. NordForsk’s involvement underscores the importance of structured, cross-border collaboration in achieving the region’s quantum ambitions.
Nordic Innovation: The Nordic-Baltic Quantum Ecosystem Report
Building on the strategic vision laid out in the 25 May 2025 joint statement by the Nordic Prime Ministers and Heads of Government (21), this report provides a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of the Nordic-Baltic quantum landscape (3). It supports the statement’s call for deeper regional cooperation by mapping commercial activity, identifying technological strongholds, and offering targeted policy recommendations. These include measures to accelerate market formation, attract investment, and enhance cross-border collaboration, key priorities echoed in the Prime Ministers’ declaration. The report further emphasizes the value of shared strategies, joint pilot initiatives, and a unified voice in international forums, reinforcing the Nordic commitment to shaping a responsible and competitive quantum future.
The analysis of the Nordic-Baltic quantum landscape highlights three high-impact policy recommendations designed to address key gaps and accelerate regional progress. First, it proposes the creation of a Quantum Coordination Forum to align strategies, coordinate cross-border efforts, and support joint initiatives, ensuring political ambitions translate into effective collaboration. Second, it calls for a thought leadership initiative to position the Nordic-Baltic region as a global influencer in quantum policy, standardization, and strategic foresight by uniting voices from research, industry, and the public sector. Third, it recommends launching ambitious cross-country pilot projects that bring together researchers, technology providers, and end-users to fast-track innovation and elevate the region’s profile in the global quantum arena. These targeted actions are supported by a broader “policy toolbox” to complement national strategies and drive long-term development.
A further discussion of this report is given in a later chapter.
Nordic Quantum White Paper
The Nordic Quantum White Paper (1) outlines a bold vision to establish the Nordic region as the world’s most attractive and collaborative ecosystem for quantum technologies, underpinned by the most quantum-literate workforce globally. It proposes a coordinated strategy across Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden (with potential inclusion of Iceland) to strengthen scientific excellence, foster innovation, and enhance educational frameworks in quantum science and technology (QST). The strategy emphasizes joint actions in research, education, infrastructure investment, and international engagement. Key initiatives include Nordic doctoral networks, shared infrastructure, coordinated EU-level advocacy, and a dedicated Nordic Quantum coordinator. The White Paper also highlights the importance of industry-academia collaboration, public outreach to boost quantum literacy, and strategic visibility to attract talent and investment. By pooling resources and aligning national efforts, the Nordic Quantum network aims to amplify the region’s global influence and competitiveness in the rapidly evolving quantum landscape. The white paper is endorsed by more than 30 scientists across the Nordic countries.