Quantum Talent Wars: The Hidden Crisis Threatening Tech's Next Frontier

From vastly decreasing the time it takes to formulate new drugs to creating greener energy, there will be huge opportunities for businesses to break new ground.

There’s a big problem, though: there’s a severe shortage of people with the skills businesses will need for quantum computing to achieve anything like its full potential.

For example, the UK’s National Quantum Strategy specifically highlights this skills gap as a challenge that needs to be addressed for quantum computing to deliver prosperity and security.

So, what skills will be needed, what roles will businesses need to fill, and why is it essential for leaders to take action now when truly useful quantum computing could be years away?

How Will Quantum Affect Workforce Skills?

Quantum computing, which harnesses the mind-bending possibilities of quantum physics to carry out some calculations at speeds far higher than classical computers, has huge implications for businesses.

Experts will be needed in quantum hardware and software, quantum algorithms, and the science of interpreting data at the scale at which quantum can process it. For some calculations, this can be hundreds of millions of times faster than classical computers.

Aside from these hard technical skills, specialists in many fields like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, logistics and cybersecurity will need to understand the possibilities that quantum holds for them.

This doesn’t mean they have to become quantum scientists. But people will need to be comfortable with the idea of using a new generation of quantum tools and technologies.

This expertise in applied quantum computing will be critical for businesses that deal with many kinds of data analytics and building simulations, including those that model biological systems, weather patterns and financial markets.

Business executives and leaders, too, will need to understand how the arrival of quantum computing will affect the skills they need. There will be a strong demand for individuals in leadership roles who not only know what quantum can do but can also build cultures conducive to innovation and apply it to hitting strategic goals.

What Can Businesses Do Now?

Some people, like Nvidia CEO Jensen, believe it will be a long time before practical quantum computing is viable. Industry as a whole doesn’t necessarily agree, though, with investment in research and skills steadily increasing and real-world use cases emerging.

In my opinion, there are several important things that any business that could be affected by quantum computing should be doing now.

One is to develop a quantum strategy. This means assessing how it will impact your sector and identifying the opportunities for growing the business or improving outcomes.

Another is to invest in education and training. This involves upskilling existing employees to understand the implications and opportunities. It can be done through online courses, in-house training, or by partnering with education providers. Google, Microsoft and IBM offer courses aimed at business professionals.

Businesses also shouldn’t overlook the benefits that come with networking and collaborating with experts. Identify who the leaders are in the field when it comes to adopting quantum in your industry, build partnerships, and consider engaging with outside consultants.

And finally (for now), ensure that you lay the foundation for a culture that encourages a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to quantum, including the skilling elements we’re looking at today. This means encouraging everyone to talk about what they’re doing and share the lessons they learn.

These are all steps that companies should be taking now, at the learning stage, to avoid potentially missing out when opportunities arise.

Address The Skills Challenge Now To Prepare For The Quantum Era

A report this year from the World Economic Forum found that most organizations are woefully underprepared for the quantum-powered future.

Businesses that wait for the technology to become mainstream before taking action to address the skills gap are setting themselves up to be at a disadvantage to faster-moving competitors.

I believe that thinking of quantum computing as just another emerging technology is a mistake.

AI relies on vast computing power, and many AI calculations could be significantly accelerated on quantum hardware. So, there could come a time when being on the cutting edge of AI requires quantum expertise.

Without the ability to train and attract the right talent and a framework in place for them to build on, businesses will miss out. But those who understand the future that’s coming and move to put the right skills and training in place now are set for success.

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