European and International Standards on Quantum computing ISO IEC Joint Technical Committee JTC 3 (ISO/IEC JTC3) Quantum technology Quantum technologies Quantum computer Quantum simulation CEN ISO IEC CENELEC
CEN and CENELEC identified standardization in the field of quantum technologies as a promising standardization field more than nine years ago.
Quantum technologies have immense potential to address today’s global challenges, so it is crucial to build a solid foundation for collaboration. International Standards play a pivotal role in laying an essential common ground to accelerate the development and adoption of quantum advancements in various industries and applications. Quantum technology is the second generation of technologies that harness the power of quantum mechanics to create advanced tools and devices that promise to revolutionize how we solve complex problems and secure information across a range of sectors, including information technology, communications, healthcare, energy, trade, sustainability, education and research, ushering in a new era of technological progress while driving rapid financial growth.
In 2024, a standardization Joint Technical Committee has been established between the International Standardization Organization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
The scope of this Joint Technical Committee (ISO/IEC JTC 3) includes standardization in the field of quantum technologies, including quantum information technologies (quantum computing and quantum simulation), quantum metrology, quantum sources, quantum detectors, quantum communications, and fundamental quantum technologies. The JTC will coordinate the results of these efforts with relevant committees and subcommittees that have within their scopes the development of specific sector-based applications of quantum technologies.
Excluded standardization activities are:
- Specific sector-based applications and standardization in the fields of information technology (ISO/IEC JTC 1 and its subcommittees),
- Nanotechnology (IEC/TC 113 and ISO TC 229),
- Fibre optics (IEC/TC 86),
- Cryogenic vessels (ISO/TC 220), and
- Semiconductors (IEC/TC 47).
