Public dialogue exploring views about the development and use of quantum computing in the UK

Challenge

Verian UK has partnered with the Quantum Computer and Simulation Hub (University of Oxford) and Responsible Technologies Institute (RTI) to carry out a dialogue to inform future engagement work at the hub.

The UK National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP) aims to ensure the UK maintains a leading position in the development and application of quantum technologies. The programme includes research hubs, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). One of these, the Quantum Computing and Simulation Hub, focuses on the critical research challenges facing quantum computing across a range of hardware and software disciplines.

Approach

Verian ran this public dialogue to provide the Hub and the RTI with up-to-date insight on the UK public’s knowledge of and attitudes towards the development and use of quantum computing. This insight would support their ongoing engagement work in this space.

The dialogue created a space for a diverse group of the public to come together with stakeholders and learn about this advanced technology and the work of the hub. They reflected on their hopes and concerns and discussed creatively how they wanted to see their concerns addressed.

The dialogue combined quantitative and qualitative methods to both measure attitudes and explore drivers of views in more depth. It consisted of an online survey followed by online deliberative workshops. The online survey of 1,014 people informed the content of the four half-day online workshops, which were held via Zoom with 45 participants from across the UK. The participants had a range of views about technology and government.

It was important that the dialogue created a safe and supportive environment for the participants to learn about this complex technology, discuss the issues and weigh up options. The team created engaging visual materials to communicate this highly technical topic to participants and used tangible examples of use cases to bring the future to life. Stakeholders took part in the workshops to observe the discussions and provide information to support accurate debate.

Impact

The dialogue provided insight into public awareness of and associations with quantum computers, the public’s priorities for and concerns about this technology, their views about regulation, and levels of support for the development of the technology.

To find out more about the work of the QCS hub, see: Home | QCi3