In response to the significant impact of ethical risks on quantum technology innovation in quantum-techno-future narratives, it is necessary to conduct forward-looking reflection and governance on potential issues in the process of quantum technology innovation. At present, quantum technology, as an emerging technology that utilizes quantum mechanics principles such as quantum superposition and quantum entanglement, is in the upstream stage of its innovation. Quantum technology innovation involves the creation and commercial application of quantum technology. This is a process of transforming existing theoretical quantum science research results (such as the principles, characteristics, and laws of quantum mechanics) into certain quantum technology principles, and then creating quantum products, quantum processes, quantum materials, and quantum methods through a series of quantum technology practices (such as conception, design, and research and development). With the gradual disappearance of the traditional boundary between technology oriented applied science and cognition oriented basic research, quantum technology presents novelty, enablement, systematicity, and uncertainty in its creative dynamic shaping process with quantum science and quantum society. Compared with classical technology innovation, the ethical risks of quantum technology innovation have the following prominent characteristics:a wider penetration range, greater coordination difficulty, and stronger speculative nature. In the narrative of the second quantum revolution, the ethical risks of quantum technology innovation are specifically manifested as the threat of quantum supremacy, worry of quantum race, imbalance of quantum divide, and dilemma of quantum hype. Due to the influence of various factors mentioned above, the ethical governance of quantum technology innovation still faces many practical problems. The main manifestations include an incomplete ethical system, weak ethical awareness,a low cognitive level, insufficient coordination ability, limited collaboration space, and a lack of democracy and transparency.
This paper draws on the theoretical content of "responsible research and innovation", "technology assessment", and "anticipatory governance", and integrates their theoretical perspectives, adhering to forward-looking governance principles such as "anticipation", "participation", "negotiation", and "action", further emphasizing the synergy and initiative among government, industry, academia, and the public. To achieve responsible or ethical quantum technology innovation, the study proposes the following strategies for ethical governance of quantum technology innovation. (1) At the institutional level, it is necessary to broaden the scope of laws and regulations to encompass quantum technology, reinforce legal oversight in this domain, and establish clear moral responsibilities and elevate ethical standards specific to quantum technology to ensure responsible innovation. (2) At the technical level, there is a need to carry out value design to promote the expected development of quantum technology, and conduct ethical assessments to reduce unexpected risks associated with quantum technology. (3) At the industry level, it is crucial to enhance diversified negotiation and expand the open space of quantum technology, and promote international cooperation and maintain the ecological balance of quantum technology. (4) At the public level, it is important to strengthen public education and enhance the level of understanding of quantum technology, and advocate public dialogue and promote the democratic process of quantum technology.
Since ethical research on quantum technology innovation is just beginning, the research conducted in this paper has a certain exploratory nature. According to the current research status at home and abroad, this paper analyzes the ethical governance of quantum technology innovation from four levels: institutional, technological, industry, and public. It not only provides a new research perspective for the theoretical construction of this field, but also offers more specific and actionable governance measures to improve the problem of existing research being too macroscopic. In addition, this paper further clarifies how quantum technology should proceed, in which areas, who should participate in innovation, and how to avoid irresponsible innovation by emphasizing the role positioning and forward-looking responsibilities of core stakeholders. It is precisely because of the above efforts that this governance strategy can provide guidance on how to reduce the ethical risks of quantum technology innovation, achieve safer, accessible, and fair quantum technology innovation, and ensure that its results can benefit human society in asustainable manner.
Chen Junbo
,
Xia Baohua
. On the Ethical Governance of Quantum Technology Innovation[J]. Science & Technology Progress and Policy, 2025
, 42(20)
: 150
-160
.
DOI: 10.6049/kjjbydc.2024050537
[1] 于光远,王绶琯,孙小礼,等.自然辩证法百科全书[M].北京:中国大百科全书出版社,1995:214.
[2] MILBURN G J.Schrodinger′s machines: the quantum technology reshaping everyday life[M]. New York: WH Freeman & Co,1997.
[3] DOWLING J P,MILBURN G J.Quantum technology: the second quantum revolution[J].Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society,2003,361(1809):1-20.
[4] 吴国林.量子技术对于低碳技术的意义[J].苏州大学学报,2011,42(3):8-12.
[5] KRELINA M.Quantum technology for military applications[J].EPJ Quantum Technology,2021,8(24):1-53.
[6] SCIENCEWISE.Public attitudes to quantum technology[EB/OL].(2017-01-10)[2023-11-18].https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20170110123807/http://www.science wise-erc.org.uk/cms/public-attitudes-to-quantum-technology.
[7] World Economic Forum.Quantum computing governance principles[EB/OL].(2022-01-19)[2023-10-20].https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Quantum_Computing_2022.
[8] BLAQUIERE A,DINER S,LOCHAK G.Information complexity and control in quantum physics[C]//International Centre for Mechanical Sciences.Proceedings of the 4th International Seminar on Mathematical Theory of Dynamical Systems and Microphysics,Vienna:Springer,1987:1-11.
[9] GRUNWALD A.The hermeneutic side of responsible research and innovation[M].London:ISTE Ltd,2016.
[10] INGLESANT P,HARTSWOOD M,JIROTKA M.Thinking ahead to a world with quantum computers:the landscape of responsible research and innovation in quantum computing[EB/OL].(2016-11-30)[2023-05-23].https://nqit.ox.ac.uk/sites/www.nqit.ox.ac.uk/files/2016-11/RRI%20Landscape%20Report%20November%202016.
[11] MOSKVITCH K.The argument against quantum computers[EB/OL].(2018-02-17)[2023-05-23].https://www.quantamagazine.org/the-argument-against-quantum-computers-20180207/.
[12] AARONSON S.Skepticism of quantum computing[EB/OL].(2006-11-07)[2023-08-21].https://www.scottaaronson.com/democritus/lec14.html.
[13] PRESKILL J.Quantum computing and the entanglement frontier[EB/OL].(2012-11-10)[2023-03-25].https://arxiv.org/pdf/1203.5813.
[14] PRESKILL J.Why I called it quantum supremacy[EB/OL].(2019-10-02)[2023-08-26].https://www.quantamagazine.org/john-preskill-explains-quantum-supremacy-20191002/.
[15] 马克·波斯特.信息方式:后结构主义与社会语境[M].范静哗,译.北京:商务印书馆,2014.
[16] 米歇尔·福柯.规训与惩罚(修订译本)[M].刘北成,杨远婴,译.北京:生活·读书·新知三联书店,2012.
[17] SESKIR Z C,UMBRELLO S,COENEN C,et al.Democratization of quantum technologies[J].Quantum Science Technology,2023,8(2):1-20.
[18] TEN HOLTER C,INGLESANT P,JIROTKA M.Reading the road: challenges and opportunities on the path to responsible innovation in quantum computing[J]. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management,2023,35(7):844-856.
[19] LUO Y.Illusions of techno-nationalism[J].Journal of International Business Studies,2022,53:550-567.
[20] WALLACE N.Europe moves to exclude neighbors from its quantum and space research[EB/OL].(2021-03-11)[2023-10-06].https://www.science.org/content/article/europe-moves-exclude-neighbors-its-quantum-and-space-research.
[21] SADLER D.Plans to restrict foreign research teams 'dangerous'[EB/OL].(2021-03-18)[2023-10-22].https://www.innovationaus.com/plans-to-restrict-foreign-research-teams-dangerous/.
[22] WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM.The world is heading for a quantum divide: here's why it matters[EB/OL].(2023-01-18)[2023-12-22].https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/01/the-world-quantum-divide-why-it-matters-davos2023/.
[23] Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.Quantum technologies:public dialogue report[EB/OL].(2018-06-14)[2023-10-18].https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20220208115701/http://epsrc.ukri.org/newsevents/pubs/epsrc-quantum-technologies-public-dialogue-full-report/.
[24] ABOY M,MINSSEN T,KOP M.Mapping the patent landscape of quantum technologies: patenting trends, innovation and policy implications[J].International Review of Intellectual Property and Competition Law,2022,53: 853-882.
[25] KHAN I.Will quantum computers truly serve humanity[EB/OL].(2021-02-17)[2023-11-20].https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/will-quantum-computers-truly-serve-humanity/.
[26] CRIBB J.Quantum computing and the dawn of the quantum tyranny[EB/OL].(2016-01-08)[2023-08-10].https://www.smh.com.au/opinion/dawn-of-the-quantum-tyranny-20160108-gm1tay.html.
[27] KOP M.Quantum-ELSPI: a novel field of research[J].Digital Society,2023,2(20):13.
[28] COENEN C,GRUNWALD A.Responsible research and innovation (RRI) in quantum technology[J].Ethics and Information Technology,2017,19(4):277-294.
[29] KOP M,ABOY M,DE JONG E,et al.10 Principles for responsible quantum innovation[EB/OL].(2023-04-13)[2023-10-20].https://law.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Kop-et-al_10-Principles-for-Responsible-Quantum-Innovation.
[30] POSSATI L M.Quantum technologies:a hermeneutic technology assessment approach[J].Nanoethics,2024,18(2):13.
[31] JONG E D.Own the unknown:an anticipatory approach to prepare society for the quantum age[J].Digital Society,2022,1(15):13.
[32] KOP M.Regulating transformative technology in the quantum age: intellectual property, standardization & sustainable innovation[J].Transatlantic Antitrust and IPR Developments, 2020(2):17-41.
[33] VAN DEN HOVEN MJ.Design for values and values for design[J].Information Age, 2005,7(2):4-7.
[34] GUSTON D H,SAREWITZ D.Real-time technology assessment[J].Technology in Society,2002,24(1-2):93-109.
[35] SESKIR Z C,MIGDAI P,WEIDNER C,et al.Quantum games and interactive tools for quantum technologies outreach and education[J].Optical Engineering,2022, 61(8):1-38.
[36] OWEN R,BESSANT J,HEINTZ M.Responsible innovation : managing the responsible emergence of science and innovation in society[M].Chichester, West Sussex:John Wiley & Sons Inc,2013.
[37] Council of the Royal Society.The public understanding of science[EB/OL].(1985-01-01)[2023-09-26].https://royalsociety.org/-/media/Royal_Society_Content/policy/publications/1985/10700.
[38] STIRLING A. "Opening up" and "closing down": power, participation, and pluralism in the social appraisal of technology[J]. Science, Technology, & Human Values, 2008,33(2):262-294.
WeChat Service Account
WeChat Official Account
WeCom Customer Service