Europe has the scientific excellence, technological expertise and industrial ambition to become a global leader in quantum technologies. However, the next challenge is turning that potential into a competitive, scalable and sustainable European quantum industry.
To address this challenge, the European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC) has developed a set of recommendations to support the growth of Europe’s quantum ecosystem and strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive global market.
Drawing on the expertise of its members, QuIC identifies the policy priorities and practical measures needed to accelerate industrial development, support commercialisation and enable European quantum companies to scale. Furthermore, the recommendations highlight the importance of coordinated European action to ensure long-term competitiveness.
From Quantum Excellence to Industrial Leadership
Europe has already established a strong foundation in quantum research and innovation. Nevertheless, translating scientific breakthroughs into commercially successful technologies requires more than scientific excellence. In particular, companies need stronger customer demand, deeper capital markets and access to the resources required for industrial growth.
Moreover, as Europe shapes its future quantum strategy, industry perspectives must remain central to policy development. This approach will help ensure that European initiatives address real-world challenges and deliver lasting economic impact.
Consequently, QuIC’s recommendations provide an industry-driven perspective on how Europe can build a more resilient, competitive and globally connected quantum ecosystem.
Five Recommendations for Scaling Europe’s Quantum Industry
To support Europe’s industrial ambitions, QuIC has identified five key recommendations.
1. Make the state the first customer
Public procurement can create the demand needed for quantum companies to grow. Therefore, QuIC recommends coordinated, competitive and multi-vendor procurement programmes that provide meaningful commercial opportunities for European suppliers.
2. Deepen the capital base and improve public funding
European quantum companies require access to investment throughout their development. However, funding gaps and lengthy public decision-making processes can restrict growth. As a result, QuIC calls for deeper capital markets and more effective governance of public financial instruments.
3. Enable debt financing against contracted revenue
Access to financing should also improve as companies secure customers. For this reason, QuIC recommends mechanisms that allow companies to raise debt against contracted revenue, thereby supporting growth without relying exclusively on equity investment.
4. Strengthen reciprocity in purchasing and investment
Europe must also consider the international conditions under which its quantum companies compete. Accordingly, QuIC recommends greater reciprocity in procurement and investment to support fair competition and safeguard European industrial interests.
5. Monitor the market as the industry develops
Finally, effective industrial policy requires reliable market intelligence. By monitoring industry developments, investment trends and commercial progress, policymakers can make better-informed decisions and adapt their approach as the sector evolves.
Together, these recommendations address two fundamental challenges facing Europe’s quantum industry: insufficient customer demand and limited capital depth.
Explore QuIC’s Recommendations
Download the Full Recommendations
For readers seeking detailed analysis, the full position paper explores the challenges facing European quantum companies. In addition, it presents supporting evidence, policy recommendations and a broader examination of industrial scale-up.
QuIC_Scaling_Europes_Quantum_Industry
Download the Consolidated Recommendations
Alternatively, readers looking for a quicker overview can explore the consolidated version. This shorter publication brings together the central arguments and five recommendations in an accessible format.
QuICs_Consolidated_recommendations_on_Scaling_the_European_Quantum_Industry
Both publications provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, investors and organisations interested in strengthening Europe’s quantum ecosystem.
Shaping Europe’s Quantum Future Together
Building a globally competitive European quantum industry requires sustained collaboration between industry, policymakers, researchers and investors.
Above all, Europe must create the conditions for quantum companies to win customers, attract investment and grow internationally while maintaining their European industrial foundations.
Through these recommendations, QuIC continues to represent the collective voice of Europe’s quantum industry. Ultimately, the objective is to turn Europe’s technological strengths into lasting industrial competitiveness and economic value.
From promise to progress: building Europe’s quantum industrial future.
