Lead, Quantum Technology

The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the international organization for public-private cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) helps leaders anticipate exponential technologies and drive responsible sectoral and industry transformation. It creates and scales initiatives in a global network of government- and not-for-profit hosted centres which give national trailblazers access to a trusted platform of sharing, learning, and problem-solving. 

Why we are recruiting

While Quantum computing, sensing and communication technologies (short “Quantum technologies”) are still nascent, year-on-year exponential increases in public and VC funding and major investments and new service offerings by leading companies are pointing towards the rapid maturation of Quantum, with far-reaching consequences for industries, economies, and societies. However, realizing the vast potential of Quantum technologies whilst addressing complex questions around safety, security, and benefit-sharing requires trusted insights and collaboration across business, government, and academia. The Quantum Economy Network , part of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) is a global platform for governments, businesses and academia to understand the potential of quantum technologies, shape their development and prepare for their introduction into the economy.

The emerging quantum economy will be underpinned by entire value chain connecting producers to consumers in ways that go well beyond traditional quantum fields. There will be an inevitable crossover with existing supply chain networks for semiconductors, nanotechnology and integrated photonics, for example. As part of a strategic effort to step-up Quantum technology workstreams, the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution is recruiting a Lead, Quantum Technology.

The Lead will grow and lead an ambitious portfolio of communities and initiatives, mobilize business leaders, experts from the world's top research universities, government officials, start-up entrepreneurs, media and civil society organizations to drive strategic insights and tangible solutions. The Lead will collaborate closely with other related centres of excellence at the World Economic Forum, such as the Centre for Cybersecurity and Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, as well as with the Forum’s global network of Independent Fourth Industrial Revolution Centres which build on, benefit from and actively contribute to the Centre’s global initiatives.

Reporting lines & interactions

The Lead, Quantum Technology reports to the Forum’s Thematic Lead, Quantum Technology, while working closely with teams across the house, in particularly relevant project and initiative leads in other Centres and operate across multiple teams and geographies in an entrepreneurial and fast-paced environment.

The Lead will also actively engage in building and maintaining productive relationships with independent C4IR Centres and their stakeholders. Establishing productive relationships externally and across the institution will be of utmost importance for succeeding in this role.

Breakdown of main responsibilities

Programme Management

• Manage the Quantum Economy Network initiatives like the Quantum Applications Hub development and piloting and scaling the Quantum Economy Blueprint initiatives, including their working group meetings, multi-stakeholder dialogues, and publications which means: 

• Keeping workstreams on target, through the effective management and leadership of cross-functional teams, internal and external stakeholders, as well as through effective communication and reporting  

• Coordinating the activities of Project Fellows by providing clarity, facilitating communication, offering strategic assistance, tracking progress, and providing feedback 

• Managing the design and delivery of sessions and community events 

• Collaborate with the Forum Leads across C4IR on areas like AI and Data, Space, Synthetic Biology, Climate Technology, and strengthen in-house collaboration across Centres and industries, advancing Quantum Economy Network’s long-term vision and activities.

• Engage existing and prospective Forum Partners in Quantum Economy Network initiatives. 

• Build and curate relevant multi-stakeholder communities committed to solving some of the most pressing challenges of businesses and societies, interacting with business, governments, and civil society. 

Strategic integration

• Identify opportunities for the Forum’s global network of independent national and thematic Fourth Industrial Revolution Centres (C4IR Centres) to build on, benefit from and contribute to the Forum’s Quantum Economy Network initiatives or lead national quantum programs. 

• Provide strategic assistance to select Quantum Economy workstreams led by independent Fourth Industrial Revolution Centres by informing and shaping workstream design and intended outcomes, facilitating knowledge and expertise transfer, guiding on the piloting of tools and frameworks, reviewing relevant publications, and supporting collaboration and community building between global and national stakeholders.

• Collaborate with C4IR Network and Partnership team and other related Forum teams to ensure successful delivery of events, innovation challenge, publications and other relevant deliverables of independent Fourth Industrial Revolution Centres engaged in the Quantum Economy work, making sure the partnerships is carried out in an effective, efficient and mutually beneficial manner

Communications and Thought Leadership

• Lead content, reports, policy papers and blogs from concept to delivery. 

• Drive public awareness on quantum technology and related Forum initiatives. 

• Keep abreast of and analyse the implications of key global and regional quantum technology advancements and associated regulatory and policy changes. 

• Identify related opportunities to inform global collaboration, industry adoption and policy updates at global or national level in priority countries. 

• Identify areas of collective action in bolstering semiconductor value chain across nations balancing innovation and supply chain resilience.

Preferred requirements and experience

• Masters (or higher) degree in quantum technology, advanced computing, computer science, technology policy, management, or similar fields. 

• At least 7+ years of relevant experience in private and/or public sector, including project management experience with a track record of building and driving successful global initiatives related to quantum technology, advanced computing or other allied technology topics.

• Deep understanding of quantum technologies and advanced /next-gen computing fields and allied supply chain industries including semiconductor industry and value chains, and their potential in addressing industry and societal challenges is strongly desired.

• Proven and excellent project management and coordination skills; attention to detail; capacity to apply critical thinking, synthesize various viewpoints, experience collaborating with teams in diverse global locations in a fast-paced environment.

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels. 

• Excellence in written and spoken English, strong communication and presentation skills, Strong ability to write informative and insightful content.

• Experience designing, managing and facilitating communities, workshops, and meetings both virtually and in person.

Why work at the Forum:

The Forum believes that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to improve the state of the world by building awareness and cooperation, shaping mindsets and agendas, and driving collective action. Join us and become a driver for positive change!