Nearly nine in ten UK business leaders (87%) expect significant industry disruption from quantum computing by 2030. This finding comes from EY’s Quantum Business Readiness Report, produced in partnership with the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). The research surveyed 500 leaders across sectors including digital technology, financial services, and retail.
Quantum computing is seen as having potential applications such as improving financial fraud detection and enhancing the performance of electric vehicle technologies. Around 35% of UK business leaders report that quantum computing is a priority in their strategic planning over the next five years. This rises to 67% among financial services firms, compared with 17% in sectors such as real estate, hospitality, and construction.
At the same time, 59% of respondents do not expect quantum computing to be integrated into core business operations before 2030. This uncertainty is also reflected in workforce planning, with 13% of UK leaders planning to recruit or develop quantum-related talent within the next two years, despite 83% acknowledging potential competitive risks associated with not adopting the technology.
While investment and interest in quantum computing are increasing, expectations around near-term readiness remain cautious. Many organisations view it as a longer-term area of transformation, with potential implications for areas such as cybersecurity. However, relatively few companies are preparing for immediate implementation. Successful adoption is generally considered to require senior leadership involvement, coordinated planning, resource allocation, and integration within broader digital transformation strategies.
Key risks associated with quantum computing adoption include potential rapid obsolescence of existing IT systems (81%) and future regulatory compliance challenges (80%). Other reported barriers include system complexity (80%), market uncertainty (66%), integration difficulties (60%), and shortages of relevant skills (47%).
