THE QUANTUM ECONOMY

THIS TECHNOLOGICAL MOMENT DEMANDS THAT BUSINESSES ANTICIPATE THE FUTURE

- DAMIEN MARTIN

"WHAT IS THE FUTURE THAT WE WANT TO CREATE IF EVERYTHING IS DOABLE?”

The current technological moment with its “digital tsunami” of rapid advancement makes that question not a hypothetical one, but one that demands an answer from us, business philosopher Anders Indset says. Developments in AI and quantum computing are quickly seeing to it that just about anything we can imagine can be built in technology. With that comes a radical transition in how we interact with each other and what it means to be human, the author of “The Singularity Paradox” told BOSS.

The direct impact of quantum technology might be seen in optimized financial portfolios, energy abundance, drug discoveries; the effects of a “quantum economy” will be far-reaching. Thus, it’s important for every business leader to have an understanding of what quantum technologies can and will do, Indset said.

“Because these breakthroughs will have massive implications for humanity, they’ll create new business models and opportunities, not necessarily directly related to quantum, but as spin-offs of it. If you look at advances in areas like medicine, treating cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other major challenges, they'll open entirely new markets and business opportunities in completely different sectors.” It’s why business leaders must think about the future they want and set about bringing it to life.

'TRIANGULAR ALCHEMY OF MODERN BUSINESS'

First and foremost, from a business perspective, leaders need to concern themselves with the cybersecurity demands quantum technology carries with it.

"If one believes that there will be something of a stable quantum computer at a scale that can be used, then basically all cryptography is insecure, which is a threat to most companies" Indset said.