U.S. Chamber of Commerce Report Urges Faster Prep For U.S. to Become Quantum-Ready

Insider Brief

• A U.S. Chamber of Commerce report urges faster action on quantum technology commercialization, cybersecurity preparation, and workforce development to maintain national competitiveness.
• The report highlights risks to encryption from future quantum computers and calls for immediate migration to post-quantum cryptographic standards.
• Recommendations include expanding public-private R&D investment, avoiding overregulation, strengthening international cooperation, and building resilient supply chains.

Quantum technology will reshape computing, communications and national defense, but the U.S. must move faster to secure its lead, according to a recent report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The report, released by the Chamber’s Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC), calls on the federal government to act urgently on six fronts: speeding up commercialization, securing against quantum-enabled cyber threats, expanding international partnerships, boosting R&D investment, ensuring supply chain resilience and developing a workforce ready to support the field.

Quantum technology relies on the unusual behavior of particles at atomic and subatomic scales. Unlike classical computers, which store information in binary bits (0 or 1), quantum computers use “qubits” that can exist in multiple probabilistic states that offer the potential to solve problems far beyond the reach of today’s machines. This same power, however, threatens to break current encryption standards, posing a major national security concern.

The report warns that without decisive government support, the U.S. could fall behind competitors, especially China and Europe, which have invested heavily in national quantum strategies.

The potential for quantum technologies to be a force for good in a range of areas is clear, the report states, but these benefits depend on building a strong policy and investment environment.

The analysts write: “We believe the potential for quantum technologies to be a force for good in areas as diverse as transportation, life sciences, communications, and financial services. A policy environment
that allows innovation, investment, security, and stability is crucial to unlocking the benefits of quantum technologies.”

Attention to Cybersecurity

One of the most urgent issues is cybersecurity. The report argues that today’s encryption methods, which secure banking systems, military communications, and health records, will be vulnerable to future quantum computers. Because of this, malicious actors may already be collecting encrypted data to unlock it later using quantum decryption, a tactic known as “harvest now, decrypt later.”

To guard against this, the Chamber recommends immediate adoption of post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) algorithms. It backs accelerated implementation of standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and stresses that migration should begin before large-scale quantum machines arrive.

“These solutions must be implemented well before a large-scale quantum computer is successfully built to protect against ‘harvest now, decrypt later’ threats,” the team writes.

Talent Choke Points

The study also points to weak supply chains and a lack of skilled workers as potential choke points. Drawing comparisons to the global semiconductor shortage, it urges policymakers to prevent similar disruptions in quantum hardware, which depends on critical minerals and advanced manufacturing tools. The Chamber also emphasizes the need for educational initiatives and retraining programs to meet the demand for talent.

On regulation, the report advises restraint. It argues that governments should avoid premature rules that could stifle innovation. Instead, it recommends a light-touch approach centered on industry-led standards and risk-based oversight. If regulation becomes necessary, the Chamber says it should “leverage existing regulatory framework” rather than create entirely new rules.

The report advocates for international cooperation, noting that the quantum field is inherently global. It suggests the creation of a free-trade zone for quantum technologies among U.S. allies and urges agreements on export controls to prevent sensitive tech from reaching adversarial countries. These steps, it says, should be built on protecting U.S. national security and foreign policy interests as well as our values.

Public and private investment in quantum research must increase, the report says, with programs that support both basic science and commercial readiness. It warns against aggressive use of “march-in” rights under the Bayh-Dole Act, which allow the government to seize patents developed with federal funds. According to the Chamber, this could scare away private investment in early-stage quantum innovation.

The overall message is clear: the quantum race is real, and without swift coordination between government and industry, the U.S. could lose both economic opportunity and digital security.

The following are some more actionable insights that are pulled from, or inspire by the report for different groups and advises actions based on their respective roles.

Actionable Insights:

For U.S. Policymakers:
A national quantum strategy will only succeed if policymakers establish a consistent regulatory, funding, and trade framework. As the report emphasizes, government leaders must focus on creating the right environment for private investment and long-term innovation.

• Accelerate funding and deployment of NIST-approved post-quantum cryptographic standards to protect infrastructure from future threats.
• Expand quantum-related R&D tax incentives to reduce the cost of innovation and encourage more private sector participation.
• Streamline government procurement processes to make it easier for emerging quantum companies to pilot and scale new technologies.
• Establish a free-trade zone for quantum technology with allied nations to enable smoother movement of talent, goods, and intellectual property.

For Private Sector Leaders:
Companies, especially those in telecommunications, finance, and defense, will be on the front lines of quantum deployment. Their readiness will determine how quickly quantum tools move from labs to real-world applications.

• Begin auditing current cryptographic systems and develop transition plans for post-quantum cryptography across critical systems.
• Collaborate with universities and research centers to establish training pipelines that prepare workers for emerging quantum job roles.
• Map their supply chains and invest in domestic or allied sources for critical materials used in quantum hardware production.
• Engage in industry consortia and standards groups to shape interoperability and regulatory frameworks before rules are imposed.

For Educators and Workforce Agencies:
Quantum technology will create jobs across sectors — from physics and engineering to software development and cybersecurity. Education providers will need to redesign curricula to meet these needs.

• Launch specialized degree programs and certification courses in quantum engineering, quantum information science, and quantum-safe cybersecurity.
• Integrate quantum computing modules into existing STEM curricula to prepare the next generation of professionals.
• Work with employers to identify high-demand roles and design targeted reskilling and upskilling programs.
• Secure funding to expand hands-on learning opportunities, including access to real quantum systems and simulators.

For International Allies:
International collaboration is vital to ensure the safe and equitable development of quantum technologies. The Chamber’s report underscores the need for a united front to address national security and trade challenges.

• Work with U.S. agencies to develop harmonized governance structures, including standards for testing, deployment, and data handling.
• Develop multilateral export control agreements to prevent sensitive technologies from reaching adversaries.
• Pool resources for joint research projects in areas like post-quantum cryptography and quantum networking.
• Establish mutual recognition of certifications, research outputs, and technology trials to reduce duplication and encourage scale.

For National Security Agencies:
Quantum technology is both a risk and an opportunity for defense and intelligence operations. Preparing now will reduce long-term vulnerabilities.

• Invest in readiness testing for PQC systems, including simulation of potential quantum-based attacks.
• Develop secure communication systems that can operate even if classical encryption fails.
• Monitor international talent flows and research activity to detect potential technology leakage or foreign influence.
• Coordinate with allied defense networks on shared encryption and surveillance protocols in a quantum-enabled future.

The full report, titled Quantum Policy Principles, is available here.