National Quantum Collaboration Initiative

In mid-2023, the Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) funded SQA to deliver the National Quantum Collaboration Initiative (NQCI), a core component of Theme 3 of Australia’s National Quantum Strategy: A skilled and growing quantum workforce. From August 2023, SQA along with an expert team from Nous Group led a series of consultations across Australia to explore how to best support the development of a future diverse quantum workforce and create a talent pipeline at scale. 

The NQCI engaged widely across Australia’s quantum ecosystem to identify opportunities to grow and retain quantum talent. Over 200 stakeholders provided input, including representatives from quantum industry, academia, students, education leaders, diversity and inclusion experts, peak bodies, venture capital, and national, state and territory governments. 

A report on the outcomes of the NQCI was delivered to the Australian Government in late April 2024. The report included a range of findings from the consultation and recommendations about how Australia may set itself up for success in this space. A summary is included below.  

The demand for talent across the education and training spectrum will evolve as the industry develops and matures. The quantum industry is currently in the early stages of development, positioned at the beginning of the S-curve model of technology adoption and diffusion (see Figure 2 below).  As the industry matures over the next 10-20 years, the need for PhDs will ease relative to other qualifications. Over time, demand will shift towards masters, bachelors and vocational education and training (VET).   

Reaching the pipeline target

Australia is recognised as a leader in quantum technologies, with strong research expertise, a core of respected global thought leaders, and universities with accomplished training programs. As a result, we are currently producing outstanding quantum talent. However, the number of people studying this topic is far below what will be needed for future quantum and adjacent industries. This is true globally, and countries worldwide are responding by expanding and modernising their quantum training. Throughout the NQCI consultations, we heard about the need for Australia to do the same.

The consultations raised a need for several measures to expand and ensure a more diverse talent pipeline including scholarships, outreach initiatives, a more flexible and coordinated national approach to PhD programs, and incentives for education institutions to expand supervisory capacity. In addition, the need to engage industry early in developing VET courses was identified and to provide industry and those seeking to upskill with curated and easy access to short format training offered by universities and other institutions.