Quantum strategy: Don’t regulate what hasn’t matured – fund it, build it, and scale it

The EU Quantum Strategy is an important step for a set of technologies that will reshape everything from security to healthcare. DIGITALEUROPE welcomes the vision but warns against tying the sector down with new rules. Instead, this time we need to incentivise, invest, and take bold action to enable innovative companies to scale across borders in Europe , making us a relevant player and creating a truly profitable Single Market for critical technologies. This means introducing coordinated tax incentives, cross-border procurement, and commercial projects to build scalable companies and strengthen our industrial capabilities. 

Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl, Director-General of DIGITALEUROPE, said: 

“Quantum is Europe’s shot at global tech leadership but only if we move fast. While US investment in quantum start-ups tripled last year, Europe’s fell by 40%. We must focus on what matters: Incentives, investment, scalable European procurement and top talent. Let’s not put the cart before the horse. We cannot afford to regulate what is not yet mature. Otherwise, Europe risks losing the quantum race”. 
DIGITALEUROPE calls for: 

• Cautious regulation: Avoid regulating the quantum ecosystem, with dozens of young innovative companies, until technologies have matured and regulatory gaps can be clearly identified. Instead, support the ecosystem through targeted measures such as tax incentives, common EU procurement schemes, and funding for cross-border commercial projects. 

• Streamlined funding: Scale up public and private funding, consolidating scattered national and EU strategies into one coherent framework to boost demand and accelerate market entry. 

• Bridge the skills gap: Address the critical talent shortage that threatens to slow the commercialisation of quantum ideas, despite Europe’s strong research base. 

• Build industry capacity: Foster robust industrial capacity, moving beyond foundational research to building manufacturing facilities and developing real-world applications to ensure global competitiveness. 

• Strengthen global collaboration: Deepen partnerships across the EU and with international allies to unlock new avenues for research cooperation, demand creation and market uptake. 

DIGITALEUROPE stands ready to collaborate with the Commission, Member States, and the quantum community to translate this strategy into concrete actions that deliver growth, resilience, and security for Europe.