The Labour government has accepted 11 of the 14 recommendations outlined in the Regulatory Horizon Council’s (RHC) report on regulating quantum technology applications, while agreeing in principle to three additional recommendations.
Published in February, the RHC report calls for the creation of tailored regulatory frameworks that can adapt to the distinct characteristics and developmental phases of quantum innovations, along with the establishment of a Quantum Regulatory Forum. The government has endorsed the RHC’s suggestions regarding standards and a regulatory framework for quantum computing, as well as training programs for regulatory bodies. It emphasized that standards are crucial for regulating emerging technologies, particularly given their increasingly global nature and integration with existing technological infrastructures.
In addressing the RHC’s recommendation for international standards in quantum technology, the government acknowledged the need for varied standards as products move through different technology readiness levels. It stressed the importance of timing in introducing these standards to avoid hindering innovation, stating, “Active participation and leadership in the formulation of global standards will ensure that UK values are reflected in the globally adopted standards.”
Regarding the recommendation to create regulatory sandboxes for testing quantum technologies, the government remarked that while sandboxes represent a valuable category of pro-innovation regulatory tools, they are not the sole method for engaging regulators with industry and innovators. They agreed in principle to establish quantum technology sandboxes, stating that relevant regulators will be involved in ongoing and future testbed programs to inform regulatory approaches. They will also evaluate the need for regulation-specific sandboxes as technology matures and as demand from regulators and industry grows.
The RHC’s recommendations related to government procurement of quantum technologies were also accepted in principle. The seventh recommendation advises the government to enhance existing initiatives or develop new strategies to transition exploratory projects into actionable procurement strategies. The RHC urged the government to include relevant regulators in quantum technology procurement projects to facilitate this transition.
The eighth recommendation encourages the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to adopt responsible innovation practices, demonstrating an understanding of and compliance strategy for existing quantum technology regulations. Additionally, the RHC suggests that DSIT support companies in engaging in regulatory discussions through industry organizations such as UKQuantum and TechUK, and allocate resources for regulatory training by building upon current initiatives.
In response, the government expressed its awareness of its potential role in stimulating markets and fostering commercial viability for quantum technology products through procurement while developing essential UK supply chains for future success. However, it acknowledged that most quantum technologies are still in the early stages of readiness, and current procurement efforts have been primarily focused on pre-commercial initiatives such as the Quantum Catalyst Fund. Concerning responsible innovation, the government stated, “Given the nascent stage of quantum technology procurement, we believe that additional requirements for responsible innovation are not necessary at this time.”