Mapping Responsible and Sustainable Supply Chains for Quantum Technologies

As quantum technologies move from the lab to market, their supply chains raise hard questions about sustainability, security and resilience. Earlier mapping in related sectors has shown technical dependencies and key players, but has not brought together environmental impact, circular-economy potential, ethics, competitiveness and geopolitical risk. The project asks where the critical dependencies and risks lie, and how these supply chains could become more sustainable and responsible.

An interdisciplinary team from engineering and the Adam Smith Business School combines supply chain mapping, analysis of material flows in sustainable electronics, and a responsible-innovation assessment. The team interviews people across quantum companies, suppliers, equipment makers, research and policy, and tests emerging findings at stakeholder workshops.

The work produces a supply chain map, a findings report for policymakers, industry and researchers, and a Responsible Supply Chain Framework that can be reused for other emerging technologies.