Harnessing Quantum Technology for Social Good: How the U.S. and Japan Drive Quantum Research into Everyday Life

Key Chapter Title List

1. Conference Overview
2. Fundamental Research in Quantum Science: Deepening the Understanding of the Universe
3. Keynote Speech: Towards Quantum-Centric Supercomputing
4. Applied Quantum Technology: Promoting the Commercialization of Practical Quantum Technologies
5. Building a Quantum Ecosystem through International Collaboration
6. Potential Civilian Application Areas for Quantum Technology
7. Public-Private Sector Collaboration Models in the U.S.-Japan Quantum Field
8. Challenges and Solutions in the Industrialization of Quantum Technology
9. Quantum Talent Cultivation and Supply Chain Development
10. Case Studies of U.S.-Japan Quantum Technology Cooperation

Document Introduction

As one of the most dynamic technological advancements in recent years, quantum technology, though still in its early stages of development, holds the potential to profoundly transform all aspects of human society and life. Its potential applications span multiple critical fields including encrypted communications, drug discovery, navigation and timing, and financial services. However, the journey of quantum technology from the laboratory to practical application still faces multiple challenges such as breakthroughs in fundamental research, efficiency in technology transfer, and cross-sector collaboration. The United States and Japan, as leaders in the quantum field, have development paths and collaboration models of significant research value.

To address core questions regarding the focus of U.S.-Japan civilian quantum applications, the methods for advancement by public and private sectors, and the potential for mutual learning, the RAND Corporation hosted a U.S.-Japan hybrid conference on January 18, 2024. The conference brought together experts from academia, industry, and government departments of both countries to delve into key issues in quantum technology development. This conference proceedings systematically compiles the insights from the experts' presentations, including keynote commentaries from speakers such as Jay M. Gambetta, Vice President of IBM Quantum Computing, providing a comprehensive overview of the research dynamics and collaborative vision of the two countries in the quantum field.

The proceedings have a clear structure, divided into two core sections: fundamental research and application translation. The fundamental research section focuses on key technical directions such as improving quantum computing fidelity, scaling up qubits, and building quantum networks. It explores the roles and collaboration mechanisms of academia, government, and the private sector, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary research in overcoming fundamental challenges in quantum physics. The application translation section centers on the commercialization pathways for quantum technology, analyzing development trends in specialized quantum tools and algorithms, as well as the implementation potential in key application scenarios like drug discovery, medical imaging, and autonomous navigation.

The report highlights the international collaboration achievements between the U.S. and Japan in the quantum field, including cases such as IBM's long-term collaboration with Japanese universities and companies, joint construction of quantum testbeds, and coordination on technical standards. Simultaneously, it clearly identifies the practical challenges facing the industrialization of quantum technology, such as fragmented supply chains, talent shortages, and policy gaps, and proposes solutions including government funding support, public-private sector collaboration, and joint international talent cultivation. This proceedings serves as an authoritative reference for governments, universities, and enterprises worldwide to understand the U.S.-Japan quantum technology development strategies and learn from their collaborative experiences. It holds significant importance for promoting the healthy development and application translation of global quantum technology.