A revolution with blind spots

Quantum technologies, in particular quantum computers, are seen as a key technology of the future. They could solve complex problems that are inaccessible to conventional computers, for example in medicine or cryptography. However, the enthusiasm for the technological possibilities is accompanied by concerns about data protection, job relocations and geopolitical power shifts. A research group from the Institute for Media and Communication Management at the University of St.Gallen (HSG) has therefore investigated which narratives prevail in the media, business and politics and whether they shed light on the social consequences of this technology.

Analysing 20 years of discourse

The researchers analysed 2,331 media articles, 165 company reports and 36 government papers published over a 20-year period. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, they identified central topics and narratives in the public debate. These were categorised into five main categories:

• Technical aspects & applications: This is all about the fundamentals of quantum technologies, how they work and possible applications. These include advances in quantum cryptography and the development of new drug models.
• Geopolitics & global conflicts: This category highlights how quantum technologies are used in international power games. The arms race between the US and China is a particular focus here.
• Society & social impact: This category looks at how quantum technologies affect society, for example through new working models, education systems or ethical challenges.
• National technology strategies: Governments worldwide are developing strategies to position themselves as pioneers in the field of quantum technology. These often involve research funding, economic subsidies and political regulation.
• Business and market development: Companies and investors see quantum technologies as an opportunity for groundbreaking innovation. This category looks at corporate strategies, financing rounds and future forecasts.

Social consequences are rarely discussed

The analysis shows that the categories of technical developments and economic potential dominate: companies focus heavily on commercial applications (66.6% of reports), while governments are primarily concerned with national strategies (39.6%) and technological sovereignty. The media offer a more balanced view, but here too the focus is on technical and political aspects. Societal topics such as education, ethics and social justice remain marginalised. The implications for labour markets and data protection are also underrepresented. According to project manager Prof. Dr Miriam Meckel: “It is now important to develop quantum technology responsibly so that when it is ready for the market, all groups in society can benefit from it. Particularly in the case of quantum computing, it won't be the case that we all have a quantum computer on our desks; the technology is too complex and expensive for that. We will be supplied from the cloud. Here, it would be desirable if it weren't just a handful of US companies offering this service again.”

An understanding is needed that goes beyond Schrödinger's cat

The study makes it clear that the public debate on quantum technology needs a broader perspective. Companies would do well to keep a closer eye on political developments in order to minimise regulatory risks. Governments, for their part, must ensure that not only national interests but also social and ethical issues are taken into account. The challenge for the media is to broaden the range of topics and to shed light not only on technical advances but also on their social consequences. Only in this way can we ensure that this groundbreaking technology is developed responsibly and more inclusively. “Many people only know about quantum technology through the story of Schrödinger's cat, which can be alive and dead in a box at the same time until we open the box and observe its actual state and decide,” says Miriam Meckel. “This is abstract and incomprehensible to many. We need narratives and explanations that clearly show the opportunities and facets of the technology, because communication about a new technology also determines its acceptance and application.”