Ensuring a responsible quantum future
Quantum computing is promising to transform the way we think about and understand the world around us.
And while the technology is still at an early stage, many individual quantum technology communities are starting to consider how the application of this technology may broadly impact our lives and society, and how we can steer its application toward producing more desirable societal outcomes.
To that end, the Responsible Innovation FSP and other stakeholders from CSIRO recently joined forces with the World Economic Forum to contribute to their latest Insight Report released at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2022.
The report contains a set of governance principles that are supported by core values, which were co-designed by a global multi-stakeholder community composed of quantum experts, emerging technology ethics and law experts, decision makers and policy makers, social scientists and academics.
Responsible Innovation FSP Director Dr Justine Lacey is hopeful that use of the guidelines will help to support a strong quantum industry in Australia and generate significant social and public good.
“There will always be a risk of an individual using technology in an unethical way,” says Justine.
“But what’s easier to lose sight of is whether or not a technology is used to generate broad societal benefit. And this also means ensuring it is not used to inadvertently create harmful outcomes by, for example, overlooking certain socioeconomic groups, or undermining cybersecurity measures,” she says.
Read the full interview with Dr Justine Lacey and Professor Jim Rabeau on CSIROscope.