The third Digital Participatory Forum will examine the potential use of quantum technologies by European cities and regions. It will build on the Foresight study on the future and potential use of quantum technology by local and regional authorities, prepared for the ECON commission, and bring together the study’s authors, European Commission representatives and local and regional practitioners involved in concrete quantum applications.
The study shows that quantum technologies are gradually moving from experimental research towards practical applications in three principal areas: quantum computing, secure quantum communication and quantum sensing. Although their maturity varies considerably, these technologies may eventually support public authorities in areas such as mobility and logistics, energy and water management, secure government communications, protection of health data and critical infrastructure, and environmental and geohazard monitoring.
At the same time, cities and regions are not merely potential end users. They can provide testbeds and public infrastructure, participate in pilots, act as innovation-oriented procurers and help build territorial quantum ecosystems involving public authorities, universities, research organisations and industry. The study nevertheless identifies limited awareness, shortages of specialised skills and funding, a lack of use cases tailored to public-sector needs, and uneven territorial preparedness as major obstacles.
Against this background, the Forum will discuss:
- how quantum technologies could respond to practical challenges faced by cities and regions;
- what local and regional authorities can already do to improve quantum awareness and preparedness;
- which lessons can be drawn from pioneering territorial case studies;
- how upcoming EU policy and legislative initiatives can involve local and regional authorities and prevent a new “quantum divide”.
The event will take place at the CoR: Rue Belliard 99-101, 1040 Brussels, meeting room JDE 63 and online via Interactio (instructions will follow).
Interpretation regime: EN/FR/DE/IT/SV