Romania’s National Strategy for Quantum Technologies (2024-2029)

The National Strategy for Quantum Technologies (2024-2029) outlines Romania’s roadmap to harness the transformative potential of quantum technologies. With global advancements in this field rapidly reshaping industries and scientific paradigms, the strategy seeks to position Romania as a regional hub for quantum innovation, emphasising research, collaboration, and integration within the European quantum ecosystem. For Romania, embracing quantum technologies is not just a matter of technological advancement but a strategic imperative to enhance economic resilience, national security, and global competitiveness.

This strategy, developed through extensive consultation, acknowledges that Romania cannot achieve its quantum aspirations in isolation. It emphasises the necessity of cooperation among public institutions, private enterprises, and academic institutions. A coordinated approach across these stakeholders is deemed essential to foster an environment conducive to innovation, talent development, and international collaboration.

The document stresses that Romania must capitalise on its strengths, including its IT workforce and existing research capabilities while addressing gaps in infrastructure, funding, and international integration. Over the next decade, the focus will be on building robust systems for research, education, and commercialisation of quantum technologies, as well as strengthening connections with European initiatives like Horizon Europe, EuroQCI, and the Quantum Flagship.

Objectives of the strategy:

• Objective 1: Ensure the necessary resources for developing quantum technologies.
• Objective 2: Foster the growth of Romania’s national quantum technology industry.
• Objective 3: Strengthen Romania’s international position in the field of quantum technologies.

The strategy highlights that the adoption of quantum technologies could profoundly impact Romania’s economic, scientific, and security landscape. However, it also recognises challenges such as the disruptive potential of quantum computing in breaking current cryptographic systems, necessitating the development of quantum-safe cryptography and secure communication protocols. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of creating a skilled workforce through targeted educational programs, attracting talent, and facilitating research collaborations.

Romania’s ambitions are backed by concrete plans to establish institutional frameworks such as the National Authority for Quantum Sciences and Technologies (ANSTC) and the Quantum Innovation Center (QIC). These entities will coordinate efforts to develop quantum infrastructure, foster public-private partnerships, and accelerate innovation through targeted investments.

By 2029, the strategy envisions Romania as a regional leader in quantum technologies, contributing significantly to European and global advancements. This requires not only advancing domestic capabilities but also actively engaging with international quantum initiatives to ensure that Romania remains competitive in this strategic domain.