Saudi Arabia pilots global blueprint for quantum economy development
Findings show that countries can advance in quantum technology without full hardware ownership, relying instead on partnerships and cloud-based access models.
Saudi Arabia has become the first country to pilot the World Economic Forum’s Quantum Economy Blueprint, applying a global strategic framework to its national innovation agenda.
The initiative, led by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Saudi Arabia, aims to align emerging quantum technologies with the long-term development goals outlined in Vision 2030.
The pilot, based on analysis of 24 national quantum strategies and input from global organisations, translated theoretical guidance into practical policy workstreams.
It highlighted how quantum initiatives gain stronger traction when embedded within broader national priorities, such as economic diversification and technological leadership, rather than being treated as isolated research efforts.
Five key lessons emerged from the exercise. These include the importance of linking research to commercial applications, ensuring flexible access to quantum hardware through partnerships and cloud systems, and building strong collaboration between government, academia, and industry.
The findings also underline that talent development is central to competitiveness, extending beyond scientists to engineers, policymakers, and business specialists.
The experience suggests that countries do not need full ownership of quantum infrastructure to participate in the sector, but can instead rely on strategic access models and ecosystem cooperation.
Saudi Arabia’s pilot demonstrates how global frameworks can be adapted into national action, offering a model for other countries developing their quantum strategies.
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