The Era Of Technopolitics: Quantum's Role In Global Influence

Forbes

6 days ago

Markus Pflitsch, CEO and Founder of Terra Quantum, is a dedicated quantum physicist, senior financial executive and deep tech entrepreneur.
For millennia, global power hinged on geography. From ancient empires to Cold War superpowers, dominance was dictated by territory, resource access and military might—power defined by borders, battalions and force.
But the 21st century is fundamentally different. The lines of influence have shifted. Power is no longer drawn on maps—it's encoded in algorithms, quantified in processing speeds and protected by cryptographic systems.
We now live in the era of technopolitics, where technological capability defines national strength.
In this new landscape, technology isn't just a tool—it's a source of power. Quantum technology, in particular, forms one part of a new strategic triad, alongside AI and cyber resilience, that will determine global influence for decades.
For European and global tech leaders, the question is: How do you prepare for a quantum-enabled world, communicate its value and build ecosystems that convert cutting-edge science into strategic advantage?
Quantum: The Engine Of Next-Generation Power
Technology has become the cornerstone of modern influence. Nations are racing to master critical technologies that will define the global balance of power for decades. The ultimate contest of our time is one of leadership in innovation.
Nowhere is this clearer than in the rise of quantum technology. Unlike traditional computing, which processes information in binary sequences, quantum computing harnesses the unique properties of quantum mechanics—superposition, entanglement and tunneling—to process complex information in entirely new ways.
This is not simply about making existing systems faster. Quantum computing allows us to solve problems that classical computers could never solve, even in septillions of years.
The implications are profound. A quantum-enabled world could simulate chemical interactions with unprecedented precision, revolutionizing medicine and materials science. Global logistics and transportation networks could be optimized in real time. Financial markets could be balanced and hedged with predictive power beyond today's capabilities. Cryptographic systems—the foundation of cybersecurity—could either be rendered obsolete or made impenetrable, depending on who wields quantum technology.
Across the industry, including work by companies like Terra Quantum, hybrid quantum-classical systems are starting to deliver real commercial and strategic value. As fault-tolerant architectures and quantum networks advance, quantum technology is poised to reshape digital infrastructure—from AI and secure communications to national defense.
This is the new strategic triad: quantum technology, AI and cyber resilience. Just as the nuclear triad structured the postwar balance of power, this new triad will determine who commands economic stability, military strength and political influence.
Europe At A Crossroads
However, the gap between ambition and action is widening. The U.S., China and a few other nations are forging coordinated national strategies around quantum and AI. In contrast, Europe remains fragmented and cautious. The continent that once gave birth to quantum theory—through Planck, Einstein, Schrödinger and Heisenberg—now risks being sidelined in the quantum age.
On a recent flight from Japan, I reflected on Europe's legacy. Though never geographically central, Europe shaped the world through ideas, values and science—from Renaissance humanism to the theory of relativity. That legacy is now at stake.
A United Nations resolution, co-sponsored by countries representing more than 5 billion people, has declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology—underscoring the immediacy and political significance of the quantum age. The global quantum race is underway, and Europe's window for leadership is narrowing.
Europe must act decisively. It must invest not only in research but also in scalable infrastructure. It must build sovereign capabilities across quantum, AI and cybersecurity—capabilities that are open, collaborative and above all, independent. Europe must foster ecosystems that reward risk, accelerate commercialization and transform scientific excellence into strategic advantage. Achieving this will require a united voice that transcends borders and bureaucratic inertia.
Quantum technology is big science. Just as a fusion reactor or particle accelerator cannot be built without a large, well-resourced, future-focused team, neither can a quantum computer or network. In recent months, Amazon, Microsoft and Google have all published world-leading scientific results—with author lists so long they require a browser in full-screen mode.
If tech giants can coordinate massive teams, Europe must enable its scale-ups to secure late-stage capital and build a new wave of giants. Quantum expertise, AI sovereignty and cyber resilience are now prerequisites for national influence, industrial competitiveness and global relevance. Falling short in these areas doesn't just mean lagging behind—it means relinquishing the power to shape one's own destiny.
The question is not whether Europe should lead, but whether it dares to lead. Because in this technopolitical era, power belongs to the bold: to the builders, the visionaries, the nations and companies that don't wait for permission. We stand on the brink of a new world order, one written not by treaties, but by those who control tomorrow's technologies.
Building Quantum Readiness Today
The future is being reprogrammed. The only question is: Who's writing the code?
Technology leaders in Europe and around the world have a clear mandate: Don't wait for quantum disruption—prepare now. This means upgrading to post-quantum cryptography (PQC), piloting quantum key distribution (QKD) and engaging in broader ecosystem efforts. The tools exist, the use cases are real, and the cost of inaction is far too high.
Organizations like mine, Terra Quantum, are moving from research to deployment, demonstrating quantum key distribution over long distances, releasing post-quantum cryptography tools and contributing to global standards.
A key success factor is building cross-functional teams that integrate hardware, cryptography and software.
To accelerate trust and adoption, companies must clearly articulate how quantum technologies protect critical infrastructure and digital sovereignty. Sharing tangible outcomes, engaging policymakers early and aligning with regulations are vital steps. Transparency fosters trust and demand.
Finally, collaboration is essential. Whether through joint deployments, public-private partnerships or integration into legacy systems, working together will speed progress. Europe must learn from the national coordination we see in the U.S. and China, leveraging procurement, education and infrastructure investment to remain competitive.
The quantum future isn't decades away—it's already unfolding. The question is: Will you lead, or follow?
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