At this point in time, artificial intelligence is the most talked-about topic in discussions about the future of technology. Governments, educational institutions and businesses are investing heavily in the development of AI. But now, alongside AI, we are also seeing the beginnings of another technological revolution.

 

Quantum technology extends beyond the creation of powerful computers. It also covers quantum communications, ultra-sensitive sensors, advanced materials and cyber-defense systems that safeguard against future quantum attacks. Even though most potential applications are still at an early stage of development, governments around the world are developing national plans to promote expertise, support research and manage the risks associated with this technology.

 

Jordan should do the same.

 

Jordan must not try to compete with the US, China and Europe in an expensive race to develop large-scale quantum computers. Rather, Jordan should focus on developing a practical national plan that allows its universities and government agencies to understand quantum technologies, mitigate the risks associated with them and take advantage of future economic opportunities. Jordan does not need to develop a quantum computer from scratch in order to benefit from this technology. However, a well-thought-out plan would position Jordan to benefit from the opportunities these technologies may offer.

 

The Central Bank of Jordan has articulated an action plan for the financial services industry to begin its transition to quantum-resistant encryption. Quantum computers of sufficient power could eventually break some of the current public-key encryption methods used to protect banking transactions, online payments, electronic money transfers, secure digital signatures and other sensitive communications.

 

The availability of such machines does not necessarily present an immediate danger. However, there is still a risk today because sensitive information encrypted now may be collected and stored by malicious parties for future use, after these machines become commercially available. In addition, replacing existing cryptographic systems across banks, ministries, hospitals and critical infrastructure will take considerable time because of the complexity of moving from one security infrastructure to another.

 

As such, the Central Bank’s initiative should be embedded in a much broader national dialogue. Quantum readiness is far more than a banking issue. It has implications for government systems, telecommunications, healthcare, education, research, the entrepreneurial ecosystem and national security.

 

An effective case study of a country developing a national quantum technology strategy can be found in Chile, through its National Quantum Technologies Strategy 2025-2035. The strategy covers quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum communications, quantum cybersecurity and quantum-based scientific applications. Importantly, Chile does not attempt to replicate the level of investment made by the world’s largest technological powers. Rather, it has chosen to concentrate on developing a skilled workforce, creating advanced research infrastructure, encouraging collaboration and establishing national governance.

 

Companies and universities in Jordan can already use quantum computing hardware and simulators through international cloud services. As such, Jordan can begin developing knowledge in the field without having to acquire expensive hardware.

 

A Jordanian national quantum technology strategy should contain several practical elements.

 

To begin with, education and workforce development should come first. Quantum computing, quantum information, post-quantum cryptography and quantum communication should be offered through university courses and professional certificates. Such courses and program should not be offered solely by physics departments. Computer scientists, engineers, mathematicians and cybersecurity professionals will all play an essential role in this effort.

 

In addition, Jordan should create a comprehensive national cybersecurity initiative focused on quantum-safe protection. This initiative can build on the Central Bank’s existing plans. However, all concerned parties, including government ministries, medical facilities, power companies and other critical infrastructure providers, should evaluate their cryptographic security measures and develop a phased approach to implementing quantum-safe solutions.

 

The third recommendation is for Jordan to provide shared research infrastructure. Instead of investing in an early quantum computer, a national cloud-access program could be established for universities, research institutions and businesses. The initial function of a shared center would be to provide training, testing, simulation and other relevant quantum computing activities.

 

Fourth, the strategy should identify applications of particular concern to Jordan, including water-resource management, renewable-energy planning, logistics, traffic optimization, pharmaceutical research, financial modelling and secure communication.

 

Nevertheless, such applications should be pursued with caution. Quantum computing is not a cure-all, and many claimed benefits remain uncertain. Jordan should support small pilot projects and comparative studies to determine whether quantum, classical or hybrid technologies offer meaningful improvements.

 

Fifth, it is important to promote innovation in quantum software, cybersecurity, education and related fields in Jordan. The country is likely to be in a stronger position in innovation, applications and services than in the production of quantum processors.

 

Finally, Jordan needs a governance framework for this purpose. This could be achieved by establishing a national task force that includes relevant ministries, the Central Bank, the National Cyber Security Centre, universities, financial institutions, telecommunications companies and technology firms. The task force’s first responsibility should be to assess the current situation and develop a five- to ten-year roadmap with specific and measurable objectives.

 

Establishing a national quantum technology strategy would allow Jordan to become an active participant in the emerging quantum ecosystem rather than simply a consumer of quantum technologies.

 

The writer is a professor of computer engineering with interests in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, emerging technologies and technology transfer, and a former vice president.