National Quantum Initiative Act

National Quantum Initiative Act is a federal law that aims to accelerate the development of quantum computing and quantum information science in the United States. The law was signed by Donald Trump on December 21, 2018, and is a key component of the country's efforts to remain competitive in the field of quantum technology, alongside other nations such as China, European Union, and Japan. The National Quantum Initiative Act is closely related to other initiatives, including the National Science Foundation's Ten Big Ideas and the Department of Energy's Advanced Scientific Computing Research program, which involve Los Alamos National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Argonne National Laboratory. The law also builds upon the work of National Institute of Standards and Technology, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

Introduction

The National Quantum Initiative Act is designed to promote the development of quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing technologies, which have the potential to revolutionize fields such as cryptography, materials science, and optics. The law establishes a coordinated federal program to support research and development in these areas, involving Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and University of California, Berkeley. The program is led by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and includes participation from National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, as well as Google, Microsoft, IBM, and Intel. The law also provides funding for the development of quantum workforce and quantum education programs, which are critical for the growth of the quantum industry, involving University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.

Background

The development of quantum technology has been a major focus of research and investment in recent years, with countries such as China, European Union, and Japan making significant investments in the field. The United States has also been actively involved in the development of quantum technology, with organizations such as Google, Microsoft, and IBM making significant investments in quantum computing and quantum information science. The National Quantum Initiative Act builds upon this work, providing a coordinated federal program to support the development of quantum technology and ensure that the United States remains a leader in the field, alongside United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The law is closely related to other initiatives, including the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 and the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, which involve National Security Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, and Defense Intelligence Agency.

Provisions

The National Quantum Initiative Act includes several key provisions, including the establishment of a National Quantum Coordination Office to oversee the federal program, which involves Office of Management and Budget, Office of Science and Technology Policy, and National Economic Council. The law also provides funding for research and development in quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing, which is administered by National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and National Institute of Standards and Technology. Additionally, the law includes provisions to support the development of quantum workforce and quantum education programs, which are critical for the growth of the quantum industry, involving National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and National Academy of Sciences. The law also includes provisions to support the development of quantum standards and quantum testing protocols, which are essential for the widespread adoption of quantum technology, involving International Organization for Standardization, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Implementation

The implementation of the National Quantum Initiative Act is being led by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, which is working closely with National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to establish the National Quantum Coordination Office and implement the provisions of the law. The law also includes provisions to support the development of quantum research and quantum development programs at national laboratories, including Los Alamos National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Argonne National Laboratory, as well as universities and private sector organizations, such as Google, Microsoft, IBM, and Intel. The implementation of the law is also being supported by National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from academia, industry, and government, involving University of California, Los Angeles, Carnegie Mellon University, and Georgia Institute of Technology.

Impact and Reception

The National Quantum Initiative Act has been widely praised by the quantum community, with organizations such as Google, Microsoft, and IBM expressing support for the law. The law has also been praised by policymakers, including Senator John Thune and Representative Zoe Lofgren, who have highlighted the importance of quantum technology for the United States economy and national security, involving Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Security Agency, and Department of Homeland Security. The law has also been recognized internationally, with countries such as Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia expressing interest in collaborating with the United States on quantum research and quantum development initiatives, involving European Organization for Nuclear Research, International Telecommunication Union, and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Overall, the National Quantum Initiative Act is seen as a key step forward in the development of quantum technology in the United States, involving National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Medicine, and National Academy of Sciences. Category:United States federal legislation