Context: The global quantum market is projected to reach €93 million by 2035. Keen to take the lead in the global quantum race, the European Commission in May launched a call for feedback on a proposed quantum strategy, in which the European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI) emphasized that, for the EU to gain tech sovereignty in this field, standardizing quantum technologies would be “indispensable” (June 6, 2025 ip fray article). Currently, China leads in total public investment in quantum computing R&D ($15 billion), the EU comes a collective second ($10 billion), and the U.S. third ($65 billion). ETSI has since indicated its increased focus on quantum technologies – as noted by director-general Jan Ellsberger in an exclusive interview (June 30, 2025 ip fray article) – including through the recent formation of a new Technical Committee on Quantum Technologies (September 30, 2025 ip fray article).
What’s new: The number of international patent family (IPF) applications filed in quantum technologies has surged fivefold since 2014, a joint report published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and European Patent Office (EPO) today has revealed (December 16, 2025 OECD-EPO report). “Europe stands out for its vibrant community of startups in the field, yet lags in securing funding and scaling up,” it notes. Of the 9,740 quantum-related IPFs generated between 2005 and 2024, the U.S. has filed the majority, followed by Europe, Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea. That same period saw IBM, LG, Toshiba, Intel, and Microsoft as the top quantum-related patent applicants.
Direct impact and wider ramifications: The report urges public research organizations, startups, and large companies to collaborate more, as this is “increasingly important” in quantum innovation. The field faces growing concentration and dependencies in global supply chains for critical components, it warns, meaning companies need to ensure the supply of both highly complex, technical skills, as well as favor the integration of softer skills to support commercialization efforts. While 18 OECD countries have so far adopted national quantum strategies, funding will not be enough to encourage adoption, it adds, underlining many of the key barriers to quantum technology adoption.
In a statement today, EPO President António Campinos emphasized the “huge potential” of quantum technologies but noted they are still in their early stages of development. He added:
“As this study and the Draghi report highlight, the EU has room to grow its quantum investment, especially when compared to leading countries like the United States. Private-sector funding is now needed to commercialise basic research, and governments should make this a priority.”
Key takeaways from the report
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