02 Nov 2026
JRC publishes 'Outlook report on quantum technologies'
The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) published an 'Outlook Report on Quantum Technologies' on 30 October 2026. The report analyses 195 quantum technology foresight signals that were detected across the scientific literature.
Foresight signals are observable changes that hint at a larger shift that could grow into a trend, identified by text and data mining. The report found that nearly half of the quantum technology signals are only at the proof-of-concept stage, almost a third have reached system-demonstration level, while 12.9% are already operational. For example, quantum random number generators are already used commercially, whereas the use of quantum computers for climate forecasting is still at the experimental stage.
Quantum technologies are based on the behaviour of matter at subatomic level. They could lead to new types of computers with capabilities to tackle problems that current computers would take millions of years to solve, unbreakable cryptography, and possible applications across many sectors. As there will be no single quantum tipping point, preparation and policies should take different approaches for early-stage pilots, interim test beds, and full commercial roll-out. The authors warn against waiting for full commercial maturity before taking action. Future technological dependencies are shaped before technologies become fully mature.
To maintain Europe’s strong presence in quantum, not only researchers and technology developers, but also industry, public authorities and future user sectors should already invest in quantum literacy, shared infrastructure, industrial capacity, common standards, and cross-disciplinary collaborations, they advise.
The Outlook Report on Quantum Technologies was produced by a cross-directorate team of scientists spanning all eight JRC scientific directorates. The working group operated under two overarching principles: a bottom-up, use-case approach anchored in the real needs of each scientific domain; and a science-for-policy lens that places European public policy at the centre.
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