China and Sweden set new quantum tech agendas, citing industry needs and security.
China included quantum technologies in its 2026–2030 development plan for digital and cyber-sector companies. At the same time, Sweden presented its first national quantum strategy with goals through 2036. In both cases, authorities view the field not only as research, but also as industrial and linked to national security.
The Chinese plan focuses on companies working in information technology, cybersecurity, and digitalization. The document includes seven areas and 21 measures.
One priority is developing key technologies. Companies are encouraged to strengthen fundamental research and work on high-performance chips, core and industrial software, networking technologies, cybersecurity, and data protection.
Separately, authorities listed promising areas where they expect technological breakthroughs:
The document does not separate quantum technologies into computing, communications, or sensors. Authorities also did not set a dedicated budget, technical benchmarks, or commercialization timelines for the field.
At the same time, the plan emphasizes moving developments from research into products. China intends to support large companies capable of building technology ecosystems, leaders in specific industries, and fast-growing innovative enterprises.
An updatable database will be created for promising market participants. The support mechanism will also involve investment organizations, as well as legal and consulting firms.
“It is necessary to strengthen research into key foundational technologies […] and achieve breakthroughs in advanced areas such as quantum technologies, blockchain, “brain–computer” interfaces, digital twins, and next-generation displays,” the plan says.
By 2030, Chinese authorities expect to significantly increase the technological and international competitiveness of digital-sector companies.
Sweden prepares for quantum threats
Sweden went further and adopted its first national strategy dedicated to quantum technologies. The document covers quantum computing and modeling, communications, and sensors. It aims to unite existing research programs and companies into a single national ecosystem.
Authorities identified five main areas:
- research, innovation, and industrial leadership;
- workforce development;
- coordination among government, academia, and business;
- research and cybersecurity;
- international cooperation.
Minister of Education and Research Lotta Edholm noted that a strong research base alone is not enough to realize the technology’s potential.
“Sweden today holds a strong position in quantum technologies, but to fully realize the potential we need, among other things, closer ties between research and business, a stronger talent base, and active participation in international cooperation,” she said.
According to The Quantum Insider, the strategy’s goals run through 2036. Authorities did not allocate a separate new budget: funding is expected to rely on existing research programs and future support measures.
The government sees a gap between university research, industry, and investors as a key issue. It is particularly difficult for small quantum and deep-tech companies to attract the significant capital needed to move from laboratory development to production.
Cybersecurity holds a special place in the Swedish strategy. The government warned that sufficiently powerful quantum computers could in the future threaten some cryptographic algorithms used today.
Such systems do not yet exist. However, migrating to quantum-resistant methods takes time, so authorities consider it necessary to prepare infrastructure in advance.
The strategy calls for developing expertise in both classical and quantum-resistant cryptography. Sensitive technologies must also meet information security, export control, and research protection requirements.
In August, China established a national committee on quantum information standardization. It will develop rules for basic technologies, quantum computing, communications, and high-precision measurements.
Earlier, authors of an IBM report urged governments not to limit quantum strategies to computing and to develop communications, sensors, post-quantum cryptography, workforce, and supply chains in parallel.
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