Quantum sensors and measurement devices provide accuracy, stability, and new capabilities that offer advantages for commercial, government, and scientific applications. Examples such as atomic clocks for Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation, and nuclear spin control for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are widely used already, with transformative impacts for society. In the near future, Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) can enable a new generation of similarly transformative sensors. Furthermore,this process can be accelerated if concerted efforts are prioritized as a part of the National Quantum Initiative (NQI).

Quantum networks (QNs) transmit quantum information between quantum devices and allow distribution of quantum entanglement, a physical resource known to be useful for quantum information processing. QNs in the form of internets or intranets enable larger quantum computations by connecting quantum computers together. Entangled sensor networks may enable precision metrology beyond what is possible with the best individual quantum sensors. Quantum properties can also be utilized to secure communication in novel ways. These promises of new science and technology motivate active research into creating and understanding QNs and their constituent components.

Under the Trump Administration, the United States has made American leadership in quantum information science (QIS) a critical priority for ensuring our Nation’s long-term economic prosperity and national security. Harnessing the novel properties of quantum physics has the potential to yield transformative new technologies, such as quantum computers, quantum sensors, and quantum networks. The United States has taken significant action to strengthen Federal investments in QIS research and development (R&D) and prepare a quantum-ready workforce. In 2018, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released the National Strategic Overview for Quantum Information Science, the U.S. national strategy for leadership in QIS. Following the strategy, President Trump signed the bipartisan National Quantum Initiative Act into law, which bolstered R&D spending and established the National Quantum Coordination Office (NQCO) to increase the coordination of quantum policy and investments across the Federal Government.

Quantum information science (QIS) applies the best understanding of the sub-atomic world—quantum theory—to generate new knowledge and technologies. Through developments in QIS, the United States can improve its industrial base, create jobs, and provide economic and national security benefits. Prior examples of QIS-related technologies include semiconductor microelectronics, photonics, the global positioning system (GPS), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These underpin significant parts of the national economic and defense infrastructure. Future scientific and technological discoveries from QIS may be even more impactful. Long-running U.S. Government investments in QIS and more recent industry involvement have transformed this scientific field into a nascent pillar of the American research and development enterprise. The Trump administration is committed to maintaining and expanding American leadership in QIS to enable future long-term benefits from, and protection of, the science and technology created through this research. Based on the collective input of all the Government agencies invested or interested in QIS, this document presents a national strategic approach to achieving this goal.