Technological trajectories in quantum computing to design a quantum ecosystem for industrial change

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study develops a technology analysis to detect technological trajectories in quantum computing that can lay the foundation of a quantum industry. Study design considers data of 10,089 scientific products in ‘quantum computing’ over 1989–2020 period and 19,266 scientific products in ‘quantum computer’ over 1967–2020 period to cover all scientific production in this research field; a complementary analysis considers 8,505 patents over 1977–2020 in ‘quantum computing’ and 9,792 patents in ‘quantum computer’ over 1985–2020 period. Models of technological evolution applied here show main technological trajectories in quantum computing and computer and their rates of growth that suggest path-breaking directions in quantum technology, such as quantum optics, quantum information, quantum algorithms, quantum entanglement, quantum communication and quantum cryptography. Findings here provide information to extend the knowledge in the evolution of quantum computing and computers to support the management of these new technologies and R&D investments towards innovations generating industrial, economic and social change.