Abstract

Concerns over dual-use applications of quantum technologies are motivating countries to limit their proliferation. In November 2021, the United States added eight Chinese quantum technology companies to the Department of Commerce’s Entity List. China has also introduced similar restrictions, with its Export Control Law enacted in 2020 restricting companies from exporting quantum technology, particularly for cryptography applications where China’s national efforts have been particularly focused. Such regulatory actions prompt the question of whether quantum technology supply chains will be shaped by the type of geopolitical dynamics affecting semiconductor chips, which in recent times have become a centrepiece of the technological rivalry between China and the United States.

Organised by the Future Issues and Technology Research Cluster with support from the Centre of Excellence for National Security, RSIS.

Speakers:

Dr Celia Merzbacher is the Executive Director of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), a global consortium of 230+ stakeholders from industry, academia and government that aims to grow the quantum industry and the associated supply chain. Dr Merzbacher has two decades of experience leading technology initiatives and partnerships. Previously, she was Vice President for Innovative Partnerships at the Semiconductor Research Corporation, a consortium of the semiconductor industry. From 2003 to 2008, she was Assistant Director for Technology R&D in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Executive Director of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. She is a Fellow of the AAAS and serves on the Innovation Policy Forum of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, as well as advisory boards of several quantum technology centres and incubators.

Dr Edward Parker is a physical scientist at the RAND Corporation. He is broadly interested in the societal impact of disruptive technologies, and his current research focuses on emerging quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. His recent publications include an assessment of the U.S. and Chinese quantum technology industries and an analysis of the future adoption of post-quantum cryptography. Prior to joining RAND, Parker received his Ph.D. in theoretical solid-state physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he numerically modelled exotic magnetic materials that could be useful for building quantum computers.

Moderator:

Mr Manoj Harjani is a Research Fellow with the Future Issues and Technology research cluster, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Prior to joining RSIS, Manoj worked on building the digital capabilities of Singapore’s public sector workforce. He also served in the Prime Minister’s Office Strategy Group and Ministry of Trade and Industry in roles focusing on emerging strategic risks, horizon scanning and strategic foresight capability building. Manoj holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the National University of Singapore.

Organiser:

The S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) is a national security-focused think-tank and graduate school within Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. For more information, please visit www.rsis.edu.sg.

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