Finland has introduced a national strategy to make quantum technology a core driver of economic growth and sustainability by 2035.

Published on Thursday by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the strategy outlines a plan to build on Finland’s existing research base and technology capabilities in quantum computing, encryption, and sensor development.

“Finland has the world’s leading quantum ecosystem,” said Antti Vasara, CEO of VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and chair of the working group behind the strategy. “The new quantum strategy provides the tools and guidelines needed for this ecosystem to develop and further strengthen its position in international competition.”

Quantum technologies are expected to create new solutions in secure telecommunications, advanced sensors, and computing. According to the report, their development requires sustained investment, targeted research and rapid exploitation of commercial opportunities.

The government acknowledged that public quantum funding in Finland has lagged behind comparable countries like Sweden and the Netherlands. As a small country, Finland cannot match others in direct subsidies, but the strategy prioritises smart resource allocation to accelerate early-stage development and later commercial adoption.

“Investing in quantum expertise is a strategic choice for Finland,” said Wille Rydman, Minister of Economic Affairs. “Our expertise in this area is world-class and it is important to ensure that this continues in future too.”

The working group proposed eight key actions to support the growth of the Finnish quantum sector.

These include creating a national quantum competence centre to coordinate education and training across institutions. It also calls for ensuring access to quantum computers for students, researchers and companies. These systems would be embedded in environments that also include artificial intelligence and high-performance computing capabilities.

The strategy proposes establishing a national testing and development infrastructure for quantum devices and components. It also recommends applying quantum-secure encryption methods to protect vital infrastructure in Finland.

To strengthen research networks, the working group urges the launch of a long-term quantum RDI (research, development, and innovation) programme. This would build domestic and international connections between developers, end-users and researchers.

The report also calls for tapping private capital to support deep-tech startups and scale-ups in the quantum sector. On the regulatory front, the group suggests that Finland should work to influence EU and international rules on standardisation and the sector’s operating conditions in a way that supports national growth.

Finally, the strategy sets out a plan to coordinate the country’s quantum activities and monitor the development of the national ecosystem. A new structure would be created to represent the sector’s interests and coordinate cooperation between key actors.

The ministry expects the strategy to guide both public and private decisions in the coming decade, with the goal of ensuring that Finland remains a global leader in quantum technology and innovation.