In an article published in the journal Science, researchers from the Technical University of Munich, the University of Cambridge, Harvard University, and Stanford University argue that the development of quantum technology should prioritize the establishment of international standards rather than rushing into legislation. Professor Urs Gasser explains the importance of a quality management system for quantum technologies and how standards can build trust while fostering cooperation between competing nations such as China and the United States.
Quantum technology holds enormous potential and could bring about even more disruptive changes than artificial intelligence. While some have called for legislation to guide its development, the researchers believe that establishing international technical standards is more critical in the early stages. Professor Gasser states: “We are not opposed to legal regulation, but at the current stage, standards should take precedence over laws to ensure safety, interoperability, transparency, and accountability.” He cites the European AI regulation as an example, noting that premature legislation can lead to legal uncertainty and place pressure on the innovation environment.
In fact, many technologies have successfully achieved standardization. Examples include the information security standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the safety requirements for medical electrical equipment from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the wireless network standards from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). These standards have provided a solid foundation for technological development. For quantum technology, broad standardization efforts are already underway at both international and national levels. For instance, the joint technical committee ISO/IEC JTC 3, established in early 2024, is dedicated to developing foundational standards for quantum computing, quantum communication, and related fields. The researchers recommend introducing a certifiable quality management system (QMS) on this basis, incorporating technical, legal, ethical, and societal factors into development and operations. Independent certification bodies would issue certificates to ensure quality, transparency, and accountability.
Although technological and economic competition is intense, standards can promote international cooperation—even in areas lacking traditional political collaboration. While standardization is not a conventional democratic process, it brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including companies, civil society, research institutions, and public bodies, and increasingly takes ethical, social, and legal considerations into account. However, the standardization process must guard against being dominated by economically powerful participants and ensure that societal perspectives are equally represented. Standards cannot replace political regulation, but they can precede it by establishing compatibility foundations. Actual regulation remains the responsibility of democratic institutions.
