Abstract The recent developments of quantum technologies (QTs) have spurred growing interest for advancing applications of these technologies in many sectors including the military. Organizational and technical perspectives have been explored to shed light on implications for armed forces, however, only limited academic attention has been directed towards the connection between applications and operational environments. Consequently, this paper investigates the unique context of applying QTs to accomplish military tasks for the purpose of enhancing their potential impact. This is examined through a theoretical model by Goodhue and Thompson concerning task-technology fit and utilization. Firstly, two Danish national strategies and a NATO Challenge Programme are analyzed to identify similarities and differences in technology and task characteristics. Secondly, the utilization aspect of the original model is explored by introducing a new framework that simultaneously enables a categorization of QTs according to both operational environments and contributions to task solution. In conclusion, the paper identifies potential fits between QTs and military tasks and specifies expected operational environments and potential task solutions of QTs. This paper thus advances the current understanding of how QTs can be applied in a military context with insights for other emerging and disruptive technologies as well as the ecosystems responsible for developing these technologies.
Skou et al. (Thu,) studied this question.