Science Diplomacy and Interntionalization for the Swiss Quantum Ecosystem
ORAL · Invited
Abstract
Switzerland maintains a robust ecosystem of quantum research and innovation relative to its modest size (population ~9mil). Operating under federalized conditions, the success of the Swiss quantum ecosystem relies on bottom-up initiatives and talent, bolstered by strong educational and research infrastructures. This bottom-up energy necesitates a level of coordination, especially in order to present a coherent and accessbile entry point for more systematic international collaborations. The Swiss 'Science Ministry' (State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation) has taken a two-pronged approach to add 'on top' coordination. In 2023 they mandated a new Swiss Quantum Initiative (SQI), which is dedicated to organizing additional research funding, promoting infrastructures and talent development, and supporting promising commercialization pathways for startups in the mid-TRL levels.
The second coordination body, at the international level, is Swissnex -- Switzerland's network of science and technology outposts around the globe. From its original office in Boston, Swissnex organizes a global network of small conferences, symposia, events, and other meetings at the political, research, and innovation levels. It also conducts a mapping of the Swiss quantum ecosystem to provide a coherent overview for interested collaborators. Swissnex serves as a vital 'person to person' and bilateral connector. At the same time, the Swiss Foreign Ministry has fostered a new institution, the Geneva Science Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA), which in turn has incubated the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) hosted at CERN. The OQI is more focused on multilateral science diplomacy, with its goals of making quantum computing solutions accessible across the globe with applications that benefit humanity. These initiatives combine to play off Switzerland's strengths both as an advanced science and technology hub, and a host for vital, future-looking multilateral science diplomacy.
The second coordination body, at the international level, is Swissnex -- Switzerland's network of science and technology outposts around the globe. From its original office in Boston, Swissnex organizes a global network of small conferences, symposia, events, and other meetings at the political, research, and innovation levels. It also conducts a mapping of the Swiss quantum ecosystem to provide a coherent overview for interested collaborators. Swissnex serves as a vital 'person to person' and bilateral connector. At the same time, the Swiss Foreign Ministry has fostered a new institution, the Geneva Science Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA), which in turn has incubated the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) hosted at CERN. The OQI is more focused on multilateral science diplomacy, with its goals of making quantum computing solutions accessible across the globe with applications that benefit humanity. These initiatives combine to play off Switzerland's strengths both as an advanced science and technology hub, and a host for vital, future-looking multilateral science diplomacy.
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Presenters
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Brendan Karch
- Swissnex in Boston and New York