Public policy considerations of quantum computing

Abstract Quantum computing has migrated from the desks of theoretical physicists to its operationalization by engineers and scientists. After briefly noting the limited quantum discussions in disciplinary journals specific to public policy, we review the nature of quantum mechanics for a social science audience. We separate the public policy challenges of quantum computers into two categories: its cybersecurity and national security concerns and its concerns for other sectors of public policy. This includes our identification of quantum computers as a wicked and largely unstructured policy problem. This leads to our focus on how the quantum era currently interacts with the agenda-setting and policy formulation steps of the policy cycle. The article concludes by noting potential theoretical implications along with four risks of the quantum computing era for policymakers.