Europe’s quantum moment: the Finnish case for decisive action
For years, Europe has had strong quantum ambitions and world-class science, but it has been slower to turn them into real-world impact. The launch of the EU’s Quantum Strategy last summer and the forthcoming Quantum Act, expected next year, mark a decisive moment for this critical technology domain. Together they could determine whether Europe remains a generator of scientific breakthroughs that others commercialise or becomes a global force in the industrial quantum era.
At Technology Industries of Finland, we argue that Europe has all the ingredients to succeed: excellent research, a vibrant startup community, strong industrial heritage and early investments in hybrid high-performance computing (HPC)–quantum infrastructure. But leadership will not emerge by accident. It requires choices that are focused, ambitious and unafraid of scale. Our recommendations lay out a path for the EU to a competitive and resilient quantum ecosystem that is the envy of the world.
10 priorities Europe must get right
- A Quantum Act with real strategic authority. Europe’s governance of quantum technologies must become faster and more coherent. The Quantum Act should define roles clearly, empower agile decision making and treat quantum computing and hybrid HPC–quantum computing (QC) integration as the flagship. Rules must remain light to avoid burdening an ecosystem that depends on experimentation and rapid iteration.
- R&D driven by excellence and industry needs. Europe excels at research, but too little of it reaches industry. Funding should flow to actors with the capacity to deliver impact, with large mission portfolios and company-led R&D replacing scattered small projects. A bold quantum grand challenge would provide direction, scale and accountability. Near-term industrial applications, including dual-use, must be prioritised.
- EuroHPC infrastructure as a growth engine. EuroHPC should remain the anchor of European quantum infrastructure and the central driver of early procurement. A structured, multi-year approach to acquiring, integrating and upgrading hybrid HPC–QC systems can generate the virtuous cycle Europe needs: revenue for vendors, research momentum for universities and early market confidence through predictable access for users.
- Industrialisation through pilot lines, foundries and open testbeds. Quantum leadership demands the capacity to build and scale. Europe must strengthen pilot lines, advance plans for a first-of-a-kind quantum foundry and expand open-access testbeds that accelerate experimentation and reduce barriers for startups and SMEs. These infrastructures will determine whether Europe can turn prototypes into production.
- Capital and IP frameworks that enable growth. Europe’s quantum companies struggle most at the scale-up phase. A European Critical Tech Fund could close the late-stage financing gap. Predictable and business-friendly IP frameworks are equally essential so companies can confidently commercialise results emerging from EU-funded projects.
- Demand creation and early markets. Supply-side policy is not enough. Public buyers should act as early adopters in health, energy, transport and secure communications. Innovation partnerships and pre-commercial procurement can help de-risk investments for both sides. Europe also needs to support its emerging quantum software and algorithm developers, who will be critical in demonstrating real-world value on early devices.
- Quantum safety as a strategic priority. Europe must accelerate its transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and ensure that quantum-safe systems are adopted in a coordinated, standards-based manner. Public procurement should encourage the deployment of robust PQC solutions while avoiding fragmented national approaches that slow migration and increase costs.
- Skills and talent for a competitive quantum workforce. Europe’s quantum ambitions hinge on people. The Quantum Skills Academy should become the hub for applied, industry-focused training, providing pathways for engineers, technicians and software professionals. Reskilling and upskilling programmes must be scaled, and Europe should introduce fast-track mechanisms to attract specialised international talent that is not available domestically.
- Security and strategic resilience. Quantum technologies carry profound security implications. Europe must ensure that advances in quantum sensing, navigation and communication can be integrated into its broader security architecture while maintaining balanced export controls and investment screening. Safeguards must protect sensitive technologies without suffocating innovation. Civil and defence programmes should reinforce each other rather than operate in detachment.
- International cooperation that protects European interests. Europe cannot progress alone. Strategic cooperation with trusted partners is essential for supply chain resilience, research collaboration and global standards. Yet such cooperation must be reciprocal and grounded in clear economic security criteria. International engagement should strengthen Europe’s autonomy, not dilute it.
Finland as a model for Europe’s quantum future
With the release of Finland’s Quantum Technology Strategy 2025-2035, our country offers a glimpse of what Europe can achieve when research, industry and policy align. Our ecosystem brings together full-stack quantum computing companies such as IQM, cryogenic technology leaders like Bluefors and semiconductor innovators including Semiqon, alongside promising quantum algorithm developers and a growing group of PQC providers. This blend of hardware excellence, niche specialisation, software innovation and quantum-safe expertise illustrates what a coherent European quantum landscape could look like at scale.
If Europe implements its strategy with ambition—governing coherently, investing in excellence, scaling industrial capacity and cultivating demand—it can secure a leading position in the quantum era. Finland stands ready to contribute to that shared effort with experience, capabilities and a commitment to European competitiveness.
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