Technology business trends suggest here is a significant need for a trained quantum workforce, without which accelerated adoption of quantum computing is not possible. While the main advancements with quantum computers have yet to come, and may be some years away, early stage devices are being adopted. The use of these devices requires a new skill set.
There are positive signs emerging, however. This includes IBM’s announcement that it is committing to skill 30 million people globally by 2030 shows that education in technology remains important. The difficulty employers worldwide face in finding skilled workers poses a significant hurdle to economic growth, as per World Economic Forum (WEF) findings.
The power of quantum computing comes from two basic phenomena of quantum mechanics – superposition and quantum entanglement.
This is additionally so with quantum computing, as a new study from quantum software provider Classiq indicates. The key focus with the survey is with on-site training and user skills.
The research was based on a survey of more than 500 U.S. professionals who had previous said that they are very or somewhat familiar with the idea of quantum computing. Quantum computing is poised to upend entire industries from finance to cybersecurity to healthcare.
In terms of readdressing the educational imbalance, some of the investments that companies have dedicated to quantum are going to corporate-sponsored educational activities, and top universities such as Harvard, MIT and UCLA already offer quantum curriculum tracks. In addition to education, training is also a factor for consideration when building a long-term business strategy.
The study shows a shortage of a trained workforce is the top factor missing from potential quantum deployments. The survey also finds that 96 percent of people said that they want universities and high schools to offer more quantum training. In addition, half the survey group said that the lack of quantum experts has prevented quantum computing from becoming more popular.
The same share blamed the low level of experts upon the lack of understanding about quantum computing technology. One reason called out for this is a lack of developer software environments.
After trained personnel, the issues of software and hardware availability were tied for second.
The vast majority of survey respondents (95) percent expressed interest in taking part in quantum computing training.
The survey presents the view that the consideration of many IT professionals is that quantum computing will provide competitive advantage for forward-thinking businesses. The biggest challenge on the horizon is with a likely skills shortage.
