Speaker
Description
The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (2025) highlighted not only the scientific progress of quantum technologies but also the need to accelerate their transition from research laboratories into practical applications. To better understand the factors that enable or hinder this transition, the Working Group on Equal Opportunities (AKC) of the German Physical Society (DPG) conducted a survey among members of DPG working groups and partner networks. A total of 264 completed responses were statistically analyzed [1].
The survey intended to identify the principal barriers perceived by the quantum tech expert and broader community, including high infrastructure costs, limited practical applications, shortages of qualified personnel, industrial resistance, and regulatory challenges. While quantum technology experts prioritize demonstrating practical value through successful proof-of-concept applications, the broader community places greater emphasis on accessibility, education, and workforce development. Analyses further reveal a significant relationship between concerns about skills shortages and the demand for open-source tools and educational resources.
Beyond technological aspects, the survey demonstrates broad awareness that quantum technologies may unintentionally reinforce existing societal inequalities unless diversity and inclusion are integrated into ecosystem design from the outset.
This contribution presents the survey results, key correlations, and their implications for research policy, education, and innovation management. The results suggest that successful quantum ecosystems require not only scientific excellence and technological maturity but also open education, equitable participation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
[1] Ağanoğlu, R., & Sandner, A. (2026). Vom Labor in die Anwendung: Eine Umfrage des DPG-Arbeitskreises Chancengleichheit identifiziert Wege zur Beschleunigung der Quantentechnologien. Physik Journal, 25(3), 59–61.
