Appendix I: Mandate for the Study
Annex 1: Mandate for Study on Opportunities for Nordic Research and Innovation Cooperation on Quantum Technology
Background:
Quantum technology, encompassing quantum computing, communication, and sensing, is advancing rapidly and has the potential to transform sectors such as cybersecurity, healthcare, energy, finance and defence. The Nordic region, with its robust research institutions, innovation ecosystems, and collaborative tradition, is well-positioned to lead in this field. However, to maximize the impact and international competitiveness of Nordic quantum research and innovation, the potential for stronger coordination and cooperation across the region Nordic countries will be investigated.
Research in quantum technology drives innovation by uncovering new principles and techniques that pave the way for groundbreaking applications and advancements in areas such as computing, communication, and materials science. NordForsk is responsible for funding and supporting basic and applied research projects, fostering academic collaborations, and developing research infrastructure. Nordic Innovation promotes the commercialization of research outcomes and supports the development of innovative solutions that contribute to the high-level goals set out by the Nordic Council of Ministers.
Purpose of the Study:
This study aims to assess the potential for increased research and innovation cooperation on quantum technology among Nordic countries. It will map national, Nordic, and international initiatives in the field, analyze the funding landscape, and explore the role of key institutions. The study will also propose actions to enhance cooperation and address gaps, positioning the Nordic region as a major player in the global quantum landscape.
Scope:
The study will first map national quantum technology strategies and research initiatives in the Nordic countries, including ongoing or planned collaborations and institutional efforts. The study will also compare Nordic activities with international quantum initiatives, particularly in leading regions like the European Union and the US. An important component will be reviewing the current funding landscape, including public and private sector investments. The study will aim at identifying opportunities for joint Nordic funding actions and cross-border sharing of resources such as infrastructure and testbeds. The role of Nordic and national institutions will be explored, as they are critical in fostering collaboration and policy alignment. The opportunities for enhancing Nordic-Baltic cooperation in quantum technology will be considered. Lastly, the study will identify any gaps or needs at the national or regional level that could be addressed through coordinated Nordic action.
Approach:
The study will mainly use qualitative methods, including a review of national and international quantum technology strategies, stakeholder consultations, and a comparative analysis of national strategies and funding models.
Throughout the study communication with Nordic Innovation will be maintained to avoid duplication and ensure effective information sharing. The study will draw on Nordic Innovation's planned mapping of the Nordic quantum ecosystem. This mapping, along with proposed Nordic use cases, aims to demonstrate the applicability of quantum technology for Nordic businesses.
Based on the findings, the study will generate policy recommendations aimed at improving the framework for Nordic cooperation and strengthening the region's role in quantum research and innovation.
Deliverables:
The study will produce a report that includes an analysis of Nordic and national initiatives, funding opportunities, gaps, and recommendations for improving Nordic collaboration in quantum technology. The report will also include specific proposals for joint actions to enhance research and innovation in the region.
Timeline and Deadlines:
The study will be carried out over 12 months, with the following key milestones and deadlines:
- Phase 1 (Months 1-3):
Review existing national and Nordic quantum initiatives and gather initial data on the quantum technology landscape in the region. - Phase 2 (Months 4-6):
Conduct stakeholder consultations, including interviews with representatives from relevant government bodies, research institutions and private sector.
Begin comparative analysis of national and international quantum initiatives.
March 2025: Present status of work to NordForsk and NORDHORCs. - Phase 3 (Months 7-9):
Complete the analysis of collaboration opportunities, funding gaps, and institutional roles.
Reflect on the report from Nordic Innovation’s mapping of the Nordic quantum ecosystem alongside Nordic use cases to illustrate the applicability of the technology for Nordic businesses.
Identify opportunities for joint Nordic actions and partnerships, considering different national contexts. - Phase 4 (Months 10-12):
Finalize the study report with recommendations for enhancing Nordic cooperation in quantum technology.
October 2025: Present findings to key stakeholders, including NordForsk and NORDHORC, and prepare dissemination of report.
Appendix II: List of Acronyms
DQC – Danish Quantum Community
EuroQCI – European Quantum Communication Infrastructure
HPC – High-performance computing
IP – Intellectual Property
IQM – Industrial Quantum Machines
LUMI-Q – A European consortium contributing quantum computing environment as part of the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking
NORDHORC – Nordic Heads of Research Councils
NQCP – Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme
QC – quantum computing
Q-NRI – A Norwegian project (2025-) for «Further Development of National Research Infrastructure for Quantum Technology Research»
QKD – quantum key distribution
QSIP – Quantum Sweden Innovation Platform
QST – quantum science and technology
QT – quantum technology
SWOT – strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
TRI – The Top-level Research Initiative (TRI), launched by the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2008, was a major collaborative research and innovation program with a total budget of DKK 400 million (approximately €54 million at the time), jointly funded by the Nordic countries over the period 2009–2016. TRI supported large-scale Nordic research collaboration in climate, energy, and environmental technologies (22).
WACQT – Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology
Appendix III: Stakeholder Validation and Practical Insights
To ensure the relevance, accuracy, and practical value of this report’s findings and recommendations, targeted focus group sessions were conducted with key stakeholder groups across the Nordic quantum ecosystem. These sessions included national infrastructure providers and leading quantum researchers, whose feedback helped validate the main themes, refine recommendations, and highlight practical considerations for collaboration, funding, governance, and talent development. Their insights ground the report’s conclusions in the lived experience and current realities of the Nordic quantum community.
Key Insights from Nordic Quantum Researchers
Group Discussion, September 2025 – Facilitated by the Nordic Quantum Network
A focus group with 16 leading Nordic quantum researchers provided valuable validation and refinement of the report’s findings. The discussion confirmed the overall SWOT analysis and surfaced several important nuances and actionable points for advancing Nordic quantum research collaboration:
- Validation of Main Themes: Broad agreement with the report’s identification of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for each country and the region. Strong support for Nordic cooperation, joint funding, infrastructure sharing, and talent mobility.
- Inclusivity and Representation: Emphasis on ensuring that any Nordic coordination forum includes both strategic and grassroots voices. The field’s growing diversity requires multiple, interconnected networks rather than a single umbrella structure.
- Narrative Nuance: Caution against oversimplifying national strengths in summary tables or presentations. Recommendations to either provide fuller context or clarify that examples are illustrative.
- Long-Term Vision and Funding: Strong support for sustainable, region-wide, multi-year funding mechanisms to ensure continuity and long-term impact.
- Talent Recruitment, Retention, and Mobility: Concerns about geopolitical restrictions (e.g., NATO-only hiring), and the need to support international PhD students and postdocs to remain and contribute in the Nordics.
- Education and Workforce Development: Recognition of the scale and importance of doctoral and industry retraining programs. Recommendation to highlight this as a Nordic strength.
- Dual-Use and Defence Applications: Acknowledgement of the strategic importance of dual-use technologies and the need to address them in policy and collaboration frameworks.
- Nordic-Baltic Collaboration: Interest in including Baltic countries in future collaboration, while noting differences in funding and participation.
Key Insights from National e-Infrastructure providers
Group Discussion, August 2025
A focus group with e-infrastructure providers from Denmark, Finland, and Norway confirmed and refined the SWOT analysis and recommendations. Key actionable points included:
- The need to prioritize and assess the feasibility of recommendations.
- Recognition of diverse and fragmented funding mechanisms across the Nordics.
- Concrete models for collaboration, such as Denmark’s Quantum Algorithm Academy.
- Strong support for federated infrastructure access and building on initiatives like NordIQuEst.
- Considerations for industry and public sector access, and the future of hybrid HPC-quantum systems.
- The most immediate step: enabling cross-border access to quantum infrastructures.
Appendix IV: Primer on Quantum Technology and Its Significance
Quantum physics is the broader field that encompasses all phenomena and theories related to the behaviour of matter and energy at the quantum level. The field began in the early 20th century with the pioneering work of Max Planck and Albert Einstein. Planck introduced the concept of quantized energy levels, while Einstein explained the photoelectric effect using quantum theory. This laid the foundation for the development of quantum mechanics, the theoretical framework within quantum physics that provides detailed mathematical descriptions of these phenomena.
Physicists like Werner Heisenberg, Erwin Schrödinger, and Paul Dirac and Niels Bohr made unique and foundational contributions that established the core principles and mathematical framework of quantum mechanics. Quantum physics has revolutionized our understanding of the fundamental principles of physics, such as the behaviour of matter, electric currents, and chemical bonds.
One of the key concepts in quantum physics is the dual nature of particles, which can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties. This duality is crucial for explaining phenomena like the stability of matter and chemical bonding.
In recent decades, we have witnessed the "second quantum revolution" powered by the discovery of principles like quantum entanglement and superposition. The second quantum revolution is the driving force behind the rapid advancements in quantum technology, enabling new applications and capabilities that were previously unimaginable. Quantum technology is commonly categorized into the areas quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum sensing (23).
- Quantum Computing: This area focuses on developing computers that use quantum bits (qubits) to perform calculations much faster than classical computers. Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize fields such as cryptography, optimization, and complex simulations. The area is rapidly advancing but still experimental. There is significant potential for future applications in fields like cryptography, drug discovery, and optimization.
- Quantum Communication: This involves using quantum principles to create secure communication channels. Quantum communication techniques, such as quantum key distribution, ensure that data transmission is theoretically unbreakable, providing unparalleled security. The area is relatively mature with secure communication technologies already in use. Major challenges include maintaining entanglement over long distances and integrating quantum communication systems with existing infrastructure.
- Quantum Sensing: Quantum sensors leverage quantum properties to measure physical quantities with extreme precision. These sensors can detect minute changes in various fields, such as magnetic and electric fields, and have applications in medical imaging, navigation, and environmental monitoring. This is the most mature area of quantum technology. Some challenges include commercialization and adoption. Practical applications are already deployed within industries like healthcare, aerospace, manufacturing, environment.