Quantum Is a Strategic Necessity — Now Europe Must Act

Madrid, 11-05-2025 — Yesterday, the Center for the Governance of Change (CGC) at IE University hosted “Is Europe Ready for the Quantum Age?” in collaboration with IE Editorial Knowledge and the IE School of Science and Technology. The event, held at the Aula Magna of the IE University campus, brought together distinguished leaders from academia, industry, and policy to assess Europe’s preparedness to lead the quantum technology revolution.

The event opened with an institutional welcome from Cynthia Fernandez, Director of IE Editorial Knowledge, who highlighted the importance of generating knowledge that supports informed decision-making in emerging fields. Elena Yndurain, Research Lead of the CGC’s “Quantum Policy Lab” research project, presented the principal insights from the project’s forthcoming report—scheduled for release in November 2025—,which will outline strategic recommendations for how Europe can harness quantum technologies responsibly, competitively, and sustainably.

The report aims to provide policymakers, business leaders, and researchers with a roadmap to accelerate quantum adoption and innovation across sectors.

Following the presentation, a panel of industry leaders shared perspectives on the challenges and opportunities ahead. Together with Elena Yndurain, speakers included:

• Senaida Hernández Santana, Research Scientist Manager of Quantum, BBVA.
• Ricardo Enriquez, Head of Quantum Technologies, Repsol.
• Moderated by Luis Reina, professor, IE School of Science and Technology.

The discussion addressed Europe’s competitive positioning, the need to develop specialized talent, and the importance of cross-sector collaboration to translate scientific advances into impactful applications. The audience also heard from Daria Robinson, Executive Director of the Solution Accelerator at the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA), who emphasized the critical role of global cooperation in shaping a responsible quantum future.

In her closing remarks, Irene Blázquez, Director of the CGC, underscored the importance of initiatives like the “Quantum Policy Lab”—spaces where research, policy, and industry converge to ensure emerging technologies are deployed in service of society.

The audience left with a clear message: “Quantum is a strategic necessity, not an option. Unity, urgency, and ambition are imperative.” 

The full report, "Is Europe Ready for the Quantum Age?" will be published in November. Stay tuned to the the project’s webpage: Quantum Policy Lab