On October 17-18, 2024, Chalmers hosted the Nordic Perspectives on Quantum Technology conference, bringing together leading researchers, politicians, and business representatives from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden to discuss the future of quantum technology and how the Nordic region can strengthen its position in this transformative field.
The event was organized by the Wallenberg Office in cooperation with the Wallenberg Center for Quantum Technology (WACQT) and Chalmers University of Technology.
Quantum technology is set to revolutionize how we live, work, and conduct business. The conference aimed to shed light on how the Nordic countries can collaborate closer to harness the potential of quantum technology, addressing joint challenges and opportunities in research and business. The aim was to examine how to strengthen the Nordic voice in the global quantum field and how the Nordic countries can develop the expertise needed for future Nordic and European competitiveness.
Speakers
The event featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including:
- Anne L’Huillier: Nobel Laureate in Physics 2023
- Peter Wallenberg Jr.: Chair, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation
- Sara Mazur: Executive Director, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation
- Carina Halvord: CEO, Universeum
- Per Delsing: Full Professor, Quantum Technology, Chalmers University, and Director of WACQT
- Claudia Olsson: CEO, Stellar Capacity
- Oddmund Hoel: Minister of Research and Higher Education, Norway
- Kristiina Kokko: State Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture, Finland
- Maria Nilsson: State Secretary, Ministry of Education, Sweden
- Seemab Sheikh: Deputy Tech Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark
- Pascal Maillot: Acting Head of Unit Quantum Technologies, DG Connect, European Commission
- Lene Oddershede: Senior Vice President, Novo Nordisk Foundation
Key Discussions
The conference covered various critical topics, including:
- Investing in Research and Innovation: Highlighted by Peter Wallenberg Jr.
- Nordic Quantum Collaboration: Featuring experts like Professors Per Delsing, Jukka Pekola, Jan W. Thomsen, and Susanne Viefers.
- The Nordic Political Ambition: Discussed by political leaders from Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark.
- Quantum’s Role in European Competitiveness: Explored by industry and academic leaders.
- Quantum’s Role in Society: Exemplified by both startups and representatives from large corporates within different sectors, including life science and defense.
The conference concluded with a call for increased Nordic cooperation in quantum technology, emphasizing the importance of strategic investments and collaboration to drive innovation and increase competitiveness. The event underscored the Nordic region’s commitment to leading in the quantum technology arena. The way forward should be characterized by a bottom-up approach with the research community in the driver’s seat for increased Nordic collaboration, and politicians providing the framework, support, and infrastructure needed.
Nordic Perspective Series
Nordic Perspective is part of a series of collaborative conferences in the Nordic countries, with specially invited participants from technology-leading businesses and research environments, public sector, and political leadership. The Nordic Perspectives conferences concept was initiated by the Nordic groups of the Trilateral Commission.
The Gothenburg quantum conference was organized by the Wallenberg Office in cooperation with the Wallenberg Center for Quantum Technology (WACQT) and Chalmers University of Technology. This was the third conference in the Nordic Perspectives series, following one on data in Copenhagen in 2022, and one on AI in Oslo in 2023.