China’s Gains in Quantum Threatened by Lack of Talent, Self-Sabotaging Competition, Leading Chinese Academic Warns
China's aspirations to become a global leader in quantum computing are facing significant hurdles, primarily due to a shortage of skilled professionals and an internal environment that stifles innovation. Yu Dapeng, dean of the Shenzhen Institute of Quantum Science and Engineering at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, provided this candid assessment, highlighting critical issues within the country's quantum ecosystem.
Yu's remarks, reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), underscore a troubling reality: China's quantum sector is hindered by a lack of elite talent and a research culture that discourages creativity. He pointed out that the country’s goal of becoming a leader in quantum technology by 2035, as emphasized by President Xi Jinping, may be jeopardized if these challenges are not addressed.
Yu identified two primary obstacles: a limited focus on cultivating technical expertise and a phenomenon known as "nei juan," or involution. This term describes a self-destructive competitive environment where researchers prioritize short-term gains over genuine innovation. He noted that the traditional appraisal system for researchers has historically emphasized the quantity of published papers rather than the quality of engineering and technological talent.
The issue of involution is not new to China's scientific community. Yu drew parallels to the disruptions faced in the field of electron microscopy during the Cultural Revolution, which led to a significant exodus of researchers and stalled advancements. He warned that the quantum sector could face a similar fate if it does not prioritize meaningful talent development over rapid output.
The competitive landscape for quantum computing is already intense, with the United States and other global powers vying for supremacy in a field that holds transformative potential across various sectors, including data security, artificial intelligence, and finance. While China has made strides—becoming the third country to develop a full quantum computing system in 2021—its current talent pipeline and research culture may not be sufficient to sustain future advancements.
Yu criticized China's traditional research model, which emphasizes publication output over practical engineering skills. While this model has generated a wealth of academic papers, it has failed to equip researchers with the hands-on skills necessary for large-scale technological development, such as building and refining quantum systems.
He emphasized the need for a diverse talent pool, urging individuals to cultivate expertise in their respective fields rather than rushing into already saturated sectors. Quantum computing, unlike classical computing, requires not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience in high-precision manufacturing and integration across a complex supply chain.
Yu pointed out that China's industrial system struggles to find top-tier suppliers across the intricate supply chain required for quantum computing. The ecosystem demands intense collaboration in design, procurement, and processing, which is currently lacking.
The consequences of this lack of innovation are already evident in China's renewable energy sector, where manufacturers of solar cells and lithium-ion batteries have engaged in destructive competition rather than focusing on long-term, quality-driven advancements. Yu warned that a similar trend in the quantum sector could hinder genuine breakthroughs.
To maintain competitiveness with the U.S., which is ramping up its quantum efforts amid recent export controls on semiconductor technologies, China must address these internal challenges. Yu and other experts advocate for a shift in research and development strategies, emphasizing the need for a supportive ecosystem that fosters talent through robust education programs and industry collaborations focused on skill-building rather than mere recognition.
Despite these challenges, China has heavily invested in quantum technology, recognizing it as a critical component of its national security and economic strategies. However, without a concerted effort to cultivate talent and encourage genuine innovation, the country risks falling behind in the global quantum race.
