The Future Quantum Workforce: Competences, Requirements and Forecasts

Abstract

With the increasing industrial relevance of new quantum technologies, a well educated quantum workforce becomes increasingly crucial. The foreseeable lack of workforce raises important questions. What are the expectations regarding the future relevance of second generation quantum technologies? What are the requirements for the workforce in the coming quantum industry? Which competences, knowledge and skills should the future employees have? In this paper, we report the results of our study that was aimed at mapping requirements and forecasts for the future quantum workforce. Our study consisted of three consecutive survey rounds. In total, we gathered $188$ responses from industry and academic experts across Europe. Our study results served as an input for the development of the European Competence Framework for Quantum Technologies, delivered by the project QTEdu CSA for the European Quantum Flagship. In addition, we will discuss predictions from experts related to the future quantum workforce, including the expected industrial relevance of the main areas of quantum technologies, the need for educational efforts, and the expected influence of quantum technologies on everyday life.