Key idea: Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize various industries and bring about significant advancements in fields such as drug discovery, material development and finance.
Original author and publication date: Julian van Velzenn (Forbes) – March 1, 2023
Futurizonte Editor’s Note: Will we be able to develop the workforce we need to build and sustain a new future?
From the article:
However, despite the significant investment and interest in the technology, progress in quantum computing is being held back by a lack of available talent. As a business leader, it’s important to understand the current state of the field and the challenges that companies face in building high-value end-to-end quantum applications.
A variety of profiles is key to making the quantum dream a reality. While quantum information scientists have so far dominated progress in the field, a fractionation of roles will occur as the field matures. In the near future, we will need to start thinking about roles for testers, infrastructure specialists, programmers, solution architects, cybersecurity officers, chief technology officers, chief executive officers and more.
The quantum computing stack can help explain which quantum roles will emerge. As quantum hardware is fundamentally different from classical hardware, a complete quantum computing stack is only starting to emerge. As time progresses, complexity will be added, and lower-level operations will be abstracted away. However, low-level control will remain critical for high-performance applications that push the boundaries of what quantum computing can do.
The stack is made up of different levels that help explain the different roles that will be needed as the technology advances. The hardware interface level deals with connecting the physical technology with digital programming, the gate level creates the circuits and logic for quantum computing and the software level uses higher-level programming languages. The application level may include no-code platforms where processing resources are completely abstracted away. At all layers, quantum computing will be used alongside traditional computing.
Currently, quantum computing hardware is not yet capable of delivering an advantage over conventional computers for commercially valuable applications.
Developers are currently creating proofs of concept and demonstrators to outline where quantum computing can solve relevant problems and what advantage may be expected. However, when quantum algorithms show commercial value, companies must consider a spectrum of integration challenges when deploying quantum software to solve real-world problems.
