The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) highlights how businesses are preparing for quantum computing, recognising it as a transformative technology instead of relying solely on conventional computing methods.
Quantum readiness is framed as a long-term capability-building effort in which firms gradually develop skills, infrastructure, and partnerships to explore commercial applications while navigating uncertainty.
Drawing on research, surveys, and interviews with public and private organisations across 10 countries, the OECD identifies both the practical steps companies take to build readiness and the barriers that slow adoption.
Early efforts focus on low-cost awareness and exploration, including attending workshops, training sessions, and industry events, allowing firms to familiarise themselves with emerging opportunities instead of waiting for fully mature systems.
Despite growing interest, companies face significant challenges. Technological immaturity complicates pilots and feasibility studies, while many firms lack a clear understanding of potential business applications.
Access to quantum resources, funding for research and development, and staff training are expensive, particularly for small- and medium-sized enterprises. Furthermore, there is a shortage of talent with both quantum computing expertise and domain-specific knowledge.
As a result, readiness tends to be concentrated among large, R&D-intensive firms, while smaller companies often recognise quantum computing’s potential but delay action.
Such an uneven adoption risks creating a divide in the digital economy, with early adopters moving ahead and other firms falling behind instead of engaging proactively.
To address these challenges, the OECD notes that public and private support mechanisms are critical. Networking and collaboration platforms connect firms with researchers, technology providers, and industry peers, fostering knowledge exchange and collective experimentation.
Business advisory and technology extension services help companies assess capabilities, test solutions, and access specialised facilities.
Grants for research and development lower the costs of experimentation and encourage collaboration, while stakeholder consultations ensure that support measures remain aligned with business needs.
Many companies are also establishing internal quantum labs and innovation hubs to trial applications and build expertise in a controlled environment, combining research with practical exploration instead of relying solely on external guidance.
Looking ahead, the OECD recommends expanding education and skills pipelines, strengthening industry-academic partnerships, and designing policies that support broader participation in quantum adoption.
Hybrid approaches that integrate quantum computing with AI and high-performance computing may offer practical commercial entry points for early applications.
Policymakers are encouraged to balance near-term exploratory pilots with forward-looking support for software development, interoperability, and workforce growth, enabling firms to move from experimentation to deployment effectively.
By following OECD guidance, companies can enhance innovation, improve competitiveness, and ensure that readiness efforts span sectors and geographies rather than remain limited to a few early adopters.
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