Enhanced cybersecurity is currently one of the most useful applications of quantum technology.
News analysis
Quantum computing has helped prevent an ever-growing number of cyberattacks, and Canada has been commercially successful with this technology, so its application to digital security is part of its quantum economic development strategy. It’s a natural pillar, says one of the top researchers in the field. ..
Canada can become a world leader in quantum technology, but it must face challenges and must not fail to reaffirm its potential by falling into an old trap. say Michelle MoscaDirector Quantum safe canada Co-founder of the Institute for Quantum Computing, University of Waterloo.
“It’s a kind [like] In the late 80’s and 90’s, you’ll find your business unfamiliar with computers and the Internet. And just taking a wait-and-see approach is very dangerous, “Mosca told the Epoch Times.
he Defender to apply Quantum computing Make our digital systems more resilient to hacks, and in doing so, understand the benefits of this technology. Later, as quantum computing became more prevalent, Canada was in the preparatory stage and would be more ready for hiring, he said.
“Now that things are more and more connected, we are more vulnerable to cyber attacks,” Mosca added.
The government has launched a national quantum strategy. April 19 budgetIncludes a proposal to provide $ 360 million over seven years.
“This strategy amplifies Canada’s key strengths in quantum research. It grows quantum-enabled technologies, businesses and talent, and solidifies Canada’s global leadership in this area,” the government said. Said.
“Structural challenge”
Canada has many elements that bring prosperity to its citizens, such as abundant natural resources, talent from universities, and a stable political environment. Many observers say.But how do business analysts and innovation experts know for a variety of reasons? Canada is not fully capitalized About these benefits of expanding businesses and industries in key areas such as technology, rare earth minerals and vaccines.
Regarding quantum The main problem identified by Mosca is the “structural challenge” of poor integration of economic development and research, as is done in some other parts of the world.
He cited the United Kingdom and the European Union as examples of jurisdictions in which government funding is essentially directly directed to businesses, but in Canada research grants are targeted at academic institutions.
“we [need to] Overcoming these obstacles to translating our research investments has made some serious progress and brings us great potential to Canada’s economic prosperity and security, “Mosca said. Told.
Criticism of the government’s previous policies to promote innovation was their top-down nature or their approach of “choosing a winner.” Also, trade barriers and other obstacles between states can make it more difficult to work with Canadian companies, as opposed to multinational companies.
“At least do what works abroad and create a fair competition … even more subtle instruments. [that are] Influential and proactive … like a proactive proof-of-concept program, “he said.
“That doesn’t mean that the winner won’t show up. [but] It must be meritocracy. “
While acknowledging the government’s notable efforts to date, Mosca said there are various ways to incentivize Canadian customers and government-regulated sectors. Government sectors in key sectors may even need to be quantum-enabled, he added, “certainly there are some procurement challenges” to overcome.
Promising future
Countries such as the United States, China, and Russia are rushing to develop this technology, recognizing the power of quantum computing, which is billions of times faster than today’s supercomputers.
“We can match our economic development needs with our cybersecurity sourcing,” said Mosca, who could export these solutions worldwide to bring significant economic benefits to Canada. I added.
According to the report, the four policy measures are commonly deployed in the state’s quantum strategy. Include Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (Schiffer).these are Establish a center of excellence or innovation hub, offer targeted or competitive calls, directly fund special projects of national significance, provide government investment in startups or provide venture capital.
“By 2040, when quantum technology adoption was expected to reach 50%, quantum was estimated to grow into a $ 142.4 billion industry and maintain 229,000 jobs.” White paper Published by IBM, citing the 2017 economic analysis conducted for the Canadian National Research Council.
Canada is one of the world’s leading countries in quantum science research, ranking fifth in the G7 and number one per capita in total spending on quantum science, according to IBM.
“The critical amount of Canadian expertise has made Canada a hotbed for research and development of quantum, AI, and other emerging technologies. But to meet demand, more quantum skilled workers will be in the coming years. Must be trained, attracted and retained, “said Claude Guay, President of IBM Canada. blog..
Details of the National Quantum Strategy will be announced in the coming months, but for now, the federal government has set up a secretariat in the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Department to coordinate the national strategy.