The concept of development of the quantum industry until 2030 includes measures to support Russian developers

As it became known to Kommersant, the concept for the development of the quantum industry until 2030 included measures to support Russian developers – subsidizing their projects and a ban on the purchase of foreign technologies, stimulating the investment attractiveness of the industry, as well as attracting specialists from abroad. It is proposed to extend to them the benefits that employees of Russian IT companies have. Experts note that the new industry needs regulation, but in general it remains risky for private investment.

“Kommersant” got acquainted with the concept of the development of the quantum industry until 2030, approved by the government on July 17, one of the responsible for its implementation was named Russian Railways.

The document is devoted to the regulation of the quantum communications industry and support for domestic developers of such solutions. It follows from it that the authorities intend to limit the purchase of foreign software (software) and equipment for quantum solutions, namely, to introduce foreign technologies into government decree No. 616, which prohibits the purchase of foreign goods for the security of the state. It is also proposed to use a unified register of quantum technologies for planning measures of state support for Russian manufacturers.

But at the same time, the authors propose to attract foreign specialists to develop the industry and to do this, provide them with benefits that correspond to those that are currently in effect for employees of Russian IT organizations. The Ministry of Digital Development explained to Kommersant that this could be a simplified procedure for obtaining a residence permit and preferential mortgages for employees.

The authors of the concept see the use of quantum technologies primarily in security, for example, the protection of electronic voting, interdepartmental interaction, confidential information, etc., as well as in transport and communications. As Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin noted at an operational meeting on July 17, reliable communication networks “are needed both in public administration systems and to ensure the secure transmission of information significant to citizens and businesses.” The concept will allow attracting businesses to the industry both as an investor and as a consumer of technological solutions, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko said on July 17.

Russian Railways told Kommersant that they took part in the preparation of the document and, together with the authorities and industry participants, will prepare proposals for reforming the regulatory framework. Also, quantum developments in Russia are carried out by members of the National Quantum Laboratory consortium, created under the auspices of Rosatom in 2020. The state corporation also participated in expert work when creating the concept.

In July 2020, the government approved a roadmap for the development of quantum computing until 2024 as part of the Digital Technologies federal project, its implementation was estimated at 23 billion rubles. The industry, like any relatively new direction, needs regulation, says Sergey Kulik, scientific director of the NTI Competence Center “Quantum Technologies” based at Moscow State University, “this will allow you to quickly introduce technologies where it is important to ensure data protection.”

However, now in Russia there is a decline in the development of quantum technologies: in 2022, the number of applications for inventions in this area has noticeably decreased – 16 applications were filed against 28 – in 2021. In 2023, only eight patents for Russian inventors on quantum technologies have been published. Experts noted that the aggravated problems with imported equipment, especially from Europe and the USA, had a negative impact on the development of the industry (see Kommersant of June 16). The fifth package of EU sanctions, adopted in April 2022, included a ban on the export of quantum computers, electronics and software for the development or use of quantum computers.

The global market in general and the Russian market in particular “are in the process of formation in terms of quantum technologies, standards and value proposition,” notes Sergei Nefedov, Investment Director of the Voskhod Foundation. He adds that there are a number of restrictions in the industry, such as a high entry threshold for private investors due to the amount of investment required, as well as a long investment cycle – “it can take about ten years before the payback point.”

Tatyana Isakova