Continuation of the Quantum Technologies Flagship (CSA)

Expected Outcome:

Project results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes:

1. Act as a global observatory of quantum technologies, systematically reporting on the latest advancements and breakthroughs occurring worldwide. Provide regular assessments to the European Commission and Member States, specifically to the Quantum Technologies Coordination Group established in line with the Quantum Declaration, offering a detailed analysis of Europe's standing relative to global competitors. This will ensure Europe can strategically respond to emerging trends and innovations.

2. Capitalize on the accomplishments and infrastructure (e.g. online presence) established by the current CSA to further elevate Europe's leadership in quantum technologies.

3. Provide comprehensive support to Flagship projects, researchers, and innovators, fostering synergies, knowledge sharing, and best practices.

4. Develop and implement targeted communication strategies to raise awareness and understanding of quantum technologies across varied audiences, including students, specialists, and the general public.

6. Promote the sustainable growth of quantum technologies in Europe by exploring new applications and markets, ensuring the field's dynamism and competitiveness.

7. Serve as a pivotal entity for coordinating efforts between the EU and Member States, especially in light of the new Quantum Declaration. This includes aligning national and European strategies and enhancing international relations to fortify Europe's stance in the global quantum landscape.

8. Assist the Flagship's governance bodies and facilitate the integration of new structures or initiatives, ensuring a cohesive and efficient approach to advancing quantum technologies in Europe.

9. Act as a globally-oriented data observatory for quantum technologies, systematically collecting data (e.g. on patents, scientific publications and the current and future evolution of markets for quantum technologies) related to the state of quantum technologies in Europe and worldwide. Once or twice a year, this data should be disseminated to stakeholders, including the Commission and Member States, as well as countries associated to Horizon Europe.

10. Propose a clear, service-oriented model detailing the CSA's offerings to various stakeholders, including research support, data business intelligence, strategic analysis, international collaboration facilitation, event organization, and communication activities.

11. Update the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda through a community-based process involving research and industry stakeholders.

Scope:

The scope of the new Quantum Flagship CSA encompasses:

1. The global observatory role of quantum technologies, systematically reporting on the latest advancements and breakthroughs occurring worldwide.

2. Fulfil the dissemination requirement of five articles every two months highlighting EU success stories in quantum technologies. These articles should be widely promoted in Europe and beyond via social media, popular newspapers, and technical magazines to ensure maximum visibility and impact.

3. Building upon the established infrastructure by the previous CSA, support the European Commission and current and future projects within the Quantum Flagship, including organisation of events and ensuring they have access to the necessary resources and expertise.

4. Developing comprehensive communication plans tailored to different target audiences, enhancing the visibility and understanding of quantum technologies and their societal implications.

5. Acting as a central hub for coordinating actions between the EU, Member States, and international partners. This involves compiling and disseminating information critical for harmonizing strategies at different levels.

6. Providing support to the Flagship's governance structures, contributing to the smooth execution of its strategic vision and operational goals. This may include aiding the establishment and integration of new bodies or initiatives.

7. Contribute to the organisation of the European Quantum Technologies Conference (EQTC). The conference is due to be hosted by the country holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the third quarter of each year (2026-2029).

The Commission considers that proposals with an overall duration of typically 48 months would allow these outcomes to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other durations.

The project should aim to link to the activities of relevant standards development organisations with e.g. participation of project beneficiaries in the relevant standards technical committees. The Commission encourages the inclusion of partners with direct experience of participation in relevant standards committees at national, European or international level(s) in project consortia.

Proposals are encouraged to build on, or seek collaboration with, existing projects and develop synergies and complementarities with other relevant European, national, or regional initiatives and funding programmes. In particular, links are encouraged with:

• the project funded under the topic HORIZON-CL4-2021-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-32: Support and coordination of the Quantum Technologies Flagship Initiative (CSA) – QUCATS project;
• all relevant quantum technologies-related projects funded under Horizon Europe and Digital Europe, and as part of the EuroQCI initiative, EuroHPC Joint Undertaking and Chips Joint Undertaking.

Proposals should also cover synergies with other relevant European, national, or regional initiatives and funding programmes such as those mentioned above.

Proposals should also contribute to spreading excellence across Europe; for example, through the involvement of EU Widening Countries.

In this topic the integration of the gender dimension (sex and/or gender analysis) in research and innovation content is not a mandatory requirement; however, should proposers consider it to be of relevance for their proposal, they are strongly encouraged to integrate it.