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In a study on quantum technologies titled “Quantum Technologies and Quantum Ecosystems” a team of authors from Fraunhofer ISI is investigating the potentials, research activities and innovation policy. To this end, the technology fields of quantum sensors, quantum communication and quantum computing were analyzed, an international comparison of innovation strategies was conducted and recommendations for political action in Germany were drawn up. The study was commissioned by the Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation (EFI) and the results were incorporated in their annual report, which was presented to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on February 26.
Quantum technologies have been steadily developing in recent years and, as in many other countries, there is great interest in Germany regarding their possible industrial use. On the whole, great hopes are pinned on the economic potential of quantum technologies – but equally, there are great uncertainties, as their technological development is mostly still in its infancy.
One aim of the “Quantum Technologies and Quantum Ecosystems” study is to highlight the innovation potential of quantum technologies for key areas of application in industry and society, while also identifying the associated opportunities, risks and challenges for German R&I policy. Based on the insights gained, the study provides recommendations for political action.
Opportunities and challenges in the three key areas of quantum technology
The study starts by describing the current technological status and future challenges in the three key areas of quantum technology.
Quantum sensors and metrology use quantum systems for precise measurement of physical quantities. Some technologies, such as atomic clocks, magnetic field sensors and optical sensors, are to some extent already established and, thanks to their increased measuring accuracy, offer significant advantages that could, for example, be used in medical diagnostics in the future. Other technologies, such as optical quantum methods, are still in the early stages of research. Challenges exist in reducing the size of these technologies, making them more user-friendly, more robust and cheaper.
Another field of technology is quantum communication and cryptography, which uses quantum properties for secure communication, harnessing technologies such as quantum random number generators (QRNGs), quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum repeaters. QRNGs, for example, generate random numbers for cryptography, while QKD enables secure key exchange that detects attempts at eavesdropping.
Quantum computing is the third field of technology addressed in the study. It uses quantum mechanical principles to enable complex calculations in cryptography, optimization in logistics operations, simulations in materials research and machine learning. Despite the potential advantages, there are significant challenges such as how to correct errors, ensure scalability and the high costs of development which currently limit its industrial use. Fault tolerant quantum computing which offers a real advantage compared to supercomputers is not expected for another 20 to 30 years. Developing them requires a great deal of investment, collaborative work and research. Hybrid systems could serve as an interim solution.
How are Germany and Europe doing when it comes to quantum technologies?
To get an idea of where Germany and Europe stand internationally regarding the various quantum technologies, the study authors analyzed publications and patent applications on the topic and identified companies that are active in the field.
In terms of publications, of which there are still relatively few compared to other research fields, the topic of quantum computing is most prevalent. When it comes to all three technology fields, China, the United States, and Europe are leading the world. China leads the way in quantum communication and sensors, but Western players are at the forefront in all sections in terms of the visibility of their publications. Moreover, Germany plays a strong part in quantum technology research, especially in the European context.
When it comes to patent applications as an indicator of technological competitiveness, there has been a significant increase in transnational patent applications in quantum computing since 2012. The USA is leading the way here, followed by the EU and China. In per capita terms, Switzerland has the highest patent activity. Germany's patent applications are evenly distributed across the various fields of technology, with a focus on quantum computing and quantum communication. In addition, the level of international cooperation is very high.
With regard to companies in this field, the study identified 473 companies worldwide in quantum computing, 22 in quantum sensors and 86 in quantum communication. Most of the companies are based in the United States (focusing on quantum computing) or China (focusing on quantum communication).
Most of the start-ups are in quantum computing; 18 are based in Germany, and most of these are spin-offs from research institutes or universities.
Targeted strategies and funding
Dr. Thomas Schmaltz, who heads the Industrial Technologies business unit at Fraunhofer ISI and carried out the EFI study together with eight colleagues, points out the great importance of policy measures to avoid being left behind internationally in the field of quantum technologies: “Many countries, including Germany, the USA and China, have developed national quantum strategies to specifically promote research and innovation in this area. Global government investment amounts to over 40 billion US dollars, with the aim of strengthening scientific excellence, industrial applications and international competitiveness.” International collaboration and training of a skilled workforce are particularly relevant. Countries without such strategies risk falling behind technologically and economically.”
Based on the study's findings, the authors have developed recommendations for political action that should help Germany to play a leading role in quantum technologies in the future. These include long-term public grants, strategic frameworks and financing to ensure that Germany remains internationally competitive. Reducing bureaucratic hurdles, supporting start-ups with technical infrastructure and venture capital, and promoting software development and specialists are also essential. This is how to maximize innovation potential and tap into new high-tech markets.
Dr. Thomas Schmaltz
Fraunhofer ISI
Coordinator of Business Unit Industrial Technologies
Phone +49 721 6809-239
E-Mail: thomas.schmaltz@isi.fraunhofer.de
Download of the study “Quantentechnologien und Quanten-Ökosysteme“: https://www.e-fi.de/fileadmin/Assets/Studien/2025/StuDIS_07_2025_.pdf
http://Additional Quantum projects of Fraunhofer ISI
http://- SQuad https://www.isi.fraunhofer.de/en/competence-center/neue-technologien/projekte/sq...
http://- Q.E.D. https://www.isi.fraunhofer.de/en/competence-center/regionale-transformation-inno...
http://- Quanten(t)räume (Quantum Spaces/Dreams) https://www.isi.fraunhofer.de/en/competence-center/foresight/projekte/Quantentra...
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