UNESCO Warns Global Quantum Divide Threatens to Deepen Inequality as One-Third of Researchers Lack Access to Facilities

Quantum technologies harness the principles of quantum physics to process information in fundamentally different ways from classical computing systems.

A major new UNESCO report has warned that the rapid global expansion of quantum technology risks deepening international inequality, with one in three researchers worldwide lacking access to quantum research facilities and more than 150 countries still without national quantum strategies.

Released during the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the report — The Quantum Moment: A Global Report — paints the clearest picture yet of a growing global divide in access to one of the world's most transformative emerging technologies.

The findings reveal stark disparities between wealthy and developing regions in research infrastructure, investment, education, and scientific participation, even as quantum computing and quantum technologies are increasingly viewed as critical to future breakthroughs in healthcare, cybersecurity, climate modelling, communications, and advanced computing.

Quantum Technology Seen as Next Major Technological Revolution

Quantum technologies harness the principles of quantum physics to process information in fundamentally different ways from classical computing systems.

Unlike conventional computers that process one calculation at a time, quantum computers can explore enormous numbers of potential solutions simultaneously — dramatically increasing computational power for certain highly complex problems.

Experts believe quantum technologies could revolutionise fields including:

• Drug discovery and precision medicine

• Climate modelling and forecasting

• Financial systems and cybersecurity

• Telecommunications

• Artificial intelligence

• Advanced materials science

• Logistics and industrial optimisation

UNESCO warns, however, that without coordinated global action, access to these technologies could become concentrated among a small group of advanced economies.

"But without deliberate and coordinated action, the benefits of this transformation risk being concentrated in the hands of a small number of countries, deepening global inequalities rather than addressing them," the report states.

Europe and North America Dominate Quantum Activity

The report highlights major geographical imbalances in quantum science participation and infrastructure.

According to UNESCO:

• Europe and North America hosted seven times more quantum science events per country than Africa during the past year

• More than 1,300 registered quantum science events were held across 83 countries

• Over 1.2 million people directly participated in those activities

• A global survey included responses from 590 experts across 81 countries

Events included:

• Conferences

• Workshops

• Seminars

• Hackathons

• Public engagement activities

Despite growing international interest, many lower-income and geographically remote countries remain largely excluded from meaningful participation in the emerging quantum ecosystem.

One-Third of Researchers Lack Access to Facilities

One of the report's most concerning findings is the severe shortage of access to quantum research infrastructure.

Nearly one in three researchers surveyed reported that their institutions had no access to quantum research facilities at all.

Meanwhile:

• Two-thirds of respondents identified equipment costs as a major barrier

• Many countries lack basic quantum laboratory infrastructure

• Access to high-performance quantum hardware remains concentrated in a handful of economies

UNESCO says these infrastructure barriers significantly limit the ability of researchers in developing countries to participate in scientific innovation, workforce development, and emerging technology ecosystems.

Global Investment Concentrated in Few Countries

The report also points to growing concentration of investment in quantum science and technology.

As of mid-2025:

• Global public and private investment in quantum technologies had reached approximately US$55.7 billion

• The majority of funding remains concentrated in a small number of advanced economies

At the same time:

• More than 150 countries still have no national quantum strategy

• Many governments lack regulatory or educational frameworks to support quantum development

UNESCO warns this imbalance could reinforce technological dependency and widen future economic disparities between nations.

Persistent Gender Gap in Quantum Science

The report also reveals a significant gender imbalance across quantum-related fields, particularly at senior levels.

According to the findings:

• Women accounted for roughly 42 percent of early-career participants in quantum science events

• Female participation drops to approximately 16 percent at senior researcher level

• Women hold only around 12 percent of leadership positions in quantum science and technology

The data reflects broader structural challenges facing women in advanced STEM disciplines globally, including unequal access to research opportunities, funding, mentorship, and leadership pathways.

UNESCO says improving inclusion and diversity will be critical if the quantum sector is to develop equitably and sustainably.

UNESCO Launches Global Quantum Initiative

In response to the growing divide, UNESCO has launched the Global Quantum Initiative (GQI), aimed at building a more inclusive and ethical framework for global quantum development.

The initiative seeks to bring together:

• Governments

• Universities

• Industry leaders

• Scientific organisations

• Civil society groups

Its goal is to ensure that no country is excluded from participating in the development and governance of quantum technologies.

"The quantum revolution cannot be a story of a few countries racing ahead while the rest of the world watches," said UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany.

"UNESCO's recently launched Global Quantum Initiative is a concrete response to the findings of this report, and provides a practical roadmap to tackle this striking global inequality."

"We must act now to bridge this divide and ensure the benefits of quantum technology are shared by all."

Remote Quantum Access Programme Already Underway

One of the initiative's first practical programmes is UNESCO's Remote Access to Lab Equipment Initiative, which enables researchers from the Global South to access advanced quantum computing infrastructure remotely.

Through the programme, researchers can use the IBM Quantum System One in Cleveland, United States — the world's first quantum computer dedicated to healthcare research.

The system is being used to support work in areas such as:

• Drug discovery

• Disease modelling

• Healthcare optimisation

• Public health research

UNESCO says the programme demonstrates a scalable model for reducing infrastructure inequality without requiring every country to independently build costly quantum laboratories.

Quantum Technology Becoming Strategic Global Priority

Quantum science is increasingly being treated as a strategic national priority by major powers including the United States, China, European Union members, Canada, Japan, and others.

Governments worldwide are investing heavily in quantum research due to its potential implications for:

• National security

• Economic competitiveness

• Artificial intelligence

• Encryption and cybersecurity

• Industrial innovation

Analysts warn that countries excluded from quantum development today could face significant technological and economic disadvantages in the future.

Call for Global Cooperation and Ethical Development

UNESCO argues that international cooperation will be essential to ensuring quantum technologies contribute to sustainable and inclusive development rather than widening global inequality.

The organisation is calling for stronger collaboration on:

• Research access

• Skills development

• Ethical governance

• Infrastructure sharing

• Education and workforce training

• Technology transfer

The report concludes that the emerging quantum era presents both enormous opportunity and significant risk depending on how access and participation are managed globally over the coming decade.