China’s Quantum Sector: Striving for Excellence Amid Challenges
As China aims to become a global leader in quantum computing by 2035, the nation’s quantum sector faces critical obstacles that threaten its path to success. A recent report in the South China Morning Post sheds light on the challenges plaguing the industry, including a shortage of elite talent and a culture of “nei juan” stifling innovation.
Despite significant investments and ambitious goals, China’s research model prioritizes publication over practical skills, impacting the development of essential technical expertise needed for quantum computing. With increasing competition from the U.S. and external pressures like export controls, experts emphasize the need for China to transform its approach and prioritize skill-building for sustained growth in quantum technology.
The Chinese quantum ecosystem, as analyzed by Yu Dapeng, dean of the Shenzhen Institute of Quantum Science and Engineering, reflects a lack of ingenuity stemming from cultural and talent cultivation practices. This self-critical assessment signals potential roadblocks in China’s quantum technology advancements and highlights the need for a paradigm shift to nurture genuine talent development over short-term gains.
Yu’s observations on “involution,” a state of self-destructive competition and short-term focus, resonate with past challenges in China’s scientific community, such as disruptions in electron microscopy development during the Cultural Revolution. To avoid similar setbacks in quantum computing, China must prioritize long-term talent development and foster a supportive ecosystem that values skill-building and collaboration over individual recognition.
Unlike the classical computing race, quantum computing demands a holistic approach encompassing theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and collaboration across diverse disciplines. Yu stresses the importance of patient expertise building and industry collaboration to overcome challenges in the highly complex quantum computing supply chain.
As China’s industrial sectors navigate the quantum landscape, there is a compelling need for transformative strategies that focus on quality-driven advancements rather than short-term gains. Aligning research and development practices with industry demands and global competition is crucial to ensure China’s sustained competitiveness and technological advancements.
China’s substantial investments in quantum technology underscore the nation’s commitment to national security and economic prosperity. Still, bridging the talent gap and fostering an innovation-friendly environment remain imperative for China to realize its quantum ambitions and maintain its position in the global quantum race.