Representatives from the IQN Hub recently contributed to the launch of a landmark assessment of Scotland’s quantum ecosystem. The report, published by QURECA on behalf of Quantum ARC, highlights how Scotland has developed one of the world’s top five quantum clusters and explores how it can maintain its strategic edge. 

As well as celebrating this success, the publication also outlines several ongoing challenges. These are reflected in the contributions of IQN Hub’s Director, Professor Gerald Buller, who highlights the shortage of non-specialist technical staff and the need for stronger interdisciplinary training to ensure that the UK’s quantum talent pipeline is strengthened. Also emphasised is the importance of collaboration with adjacent industries such as cybersecurity and telecommunications, and Prof. Buller underlines how the IQN Hub is working closely with its extensive partner network to support this. 

The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Richard Lochhead (former MSP and Minister in the Scottish Government), Derek Craig (EPSRC), Simon Andrews (Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd), and Alastair McInroy (Technology Scotland), all of whom shared insights into the future of quantum innovation in Scotland. 

The IQN Hub’s Business Development Manager, Jamie Cameron, also provided an overview of the IQN Hub’s recent initiatives and how the Hub can continue to play a key role in supporting both Scottish and UK capabilities in future quantum networks. 

Throughout the day, Scottish companies exhibited the real strength and diversity of Scotland’s quantum and photonics ecosystem and participated in a series of valuable panel discussions highlighting the challenges and opportunities around critical infrastructure, investment opportunities, and the development of skills and workforce capacity.  

You can read the report here: 

Inside Scotland’s Quantum Ecosystem: From Capability to Strategic Edge