The quantum technology landscape has expanded rapidly over the past decade, with rising firm entry, increasing investment and strong growth in innovation across quantum communication, computing and sensing. After this period of exceptional growth, the sector may now be entering a new phase where early rapid expansion gives way to more focused development and maturing technologies, according to a new study published today by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Patent Office (EPO).
Quantum technologies harness the unique behaviour of particles at atomic scales to sense, process and transmit information, with applications across health care, finance and industry, and potential to help address global challenges, from boosting productivity to tackling climate change to strengthening food security.
Mapping the global quantum ecosystem shows that international patent families (IPFs) in quantum increased sevenfold between 2005 and 2024, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of around 20% since 2014, far outpacing the 2% annual growth observed across all technologies. Quantum computing has emerged as the most dynamic area, with patenting activity growing nearly twentyfold over the last decade and overtaking quantum communication in 2022. Firm creation saw a similar acceleration until 2021, although more recent data suggest a plateauing of entry into the field.
Total investment volumes peaked in 2021 before declining in 2022 and 2023 followed by a partial recovery in 2024. This slowdown is consistent with broader trends in venture capital markets during the period. Quantum saw smaller average deal sizes, even as the number of firms receiving funding has remained relatively stable.
"Quantum technologies have the potential to unlock higher productivity and drive scientific breakthroughs," OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann said. "This will require ensuring the right conditions for these technologies to scale, from investment and skills to resilient supply chains. With strategic quantum policies, countries can help optimise the contribution of quantum breakthroughs to economic growth and societal wellbeing."
The quantum ecosystem is diverse in its composition. Over 80% of organisations active in the ecosystem are established companies, universities, and public research organisations whose primary activities lie outside quantum technologies. These actors account for the majority of quantum-related patents and jobs postings. Large established companies are likely to be well positioned to drive commercialisation once technologies mature.
The study also confirms that the industry remains strongly science-driven, with high educational attainment among founders and a workforce concentrated in technical and research roles. More than half of quantum start-up founders hold a PhD, compared with roughly 10% among founders of companies more generally. Job postings are dominated by occupations in computer science (26%), science and research (25%), and education and training (10%), while commercialisation-oriented roles account for less than 10% of vacancies.
At the same time, the quantum ecosystem faces challenges linked to the growing concentration and dependencies in global supply chains for critical inputs, such as industrial diamonds, aluminium oxide and oxometallic salts. Ensuring resilient access to key materials and technologies is essential for supporting innovation and mitigating strategic risks.
Governments have recognised both the potential impact of quantum technologies and the challenges associated with their development. Over the past decade, 18 OECD countries have adopted comprehensive national quantum strategies. Public R&D funding for quantum technologies has increased steadily and quantum-related project awards have grown proportionally.
As the sector shifts from rapid expansion to deeper development and early commercialisation, governments may benefit from balancing support for fundamental research with efforts to strengthen supply-chain resilience, build a strong talent base and encourage collaboration between public and private actors. These conditions will be essential for enabling quantum technologies to scale and deliver on their economic and societal promise.
The EPO's press release for the report is available in English, French and German.
