Quantum Technology and its Role (Not Only) in the Strategic Concepts of Central European States – Mapping Study

Abstract

Quantum technologies represent a new agenda that has the potential to fundamentally change the security environment on a
global scale. Countries or groups of countries that adopt these technologies before others will be at an advantage. The aim of
the authors was to provide an overview of the current status of creating conditions for the development of quantum technologies in selected Central European countries (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary and Slovenia). The study
maps the conceptual, organisational and technical situation in this area, focusing on the five North Atlantic Treaty Organisation member states and the European Union. As a result of the investigation, it is found that the complexity of quantum technologies requires cooperation at two levels. The first level is undoubtedly cooperation between the state sector,
scientific organisations, the defence sector and multinational companies. The second level is cooperation between individual states or within international organisations. Regarding the security aspects of these technologies, cooperation based on North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and European Union is crucial. Ensuring technological superiority in the coming years is a big challenge for the United States of America, resp. North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the European Union.