Quantum technology is moving from a scientific frontier topic into an economically relevant field that attracts industrial investment, public funding, and strategic competition. While much of the discussion still focuses on technological breakthroughs, the real question for companies and policymakers is increasingly about control: who owns the key technologies, how they are commercialized, and how value is captured in emerging ecosystems.

In this context, intellectual property is not a secondary consideration but a central coordination mechanism. The recent interview series with Robert Harrison, published by the European IP Helpdesk, provides a rare and structured insight into how IP is shaping the development of quantum technologies. The interviews highlight not only the technical challenges but also the strategic implications for companies, research organizations, and policymakers. Here you find the IP & Quantum Interview Series with Robert Harrison at the IP Helpdesk of the European Commission, authored by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency:

Intellectual Property & Quantum: Interview Series with Robert Harrison – IP Helpdesk

The Economic Relevance of Quantum Technologies

Quantum technologies are often described as a general-purpose technology with the potential to transform multiple industries. This includes quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing. Each of these domains is already showing early signs of economic relevance.

According to Harrison, one of the most immediate application areas is quantum sensing. These technologies are already being deployed in real-world scenarios, such as geophysics, navigation systems, and increasingly in medical diagnostics. Their ability to detect extremely small changes in physical environments creates new opportunities for high-precision measurement and monitoring.

In parallel, quantum communication and cryptography are emerging as critical fields. The potential of quantum computers to break existing encryption systems has triggered significant investment into quantum-safe cryptography and secure communication infrastructures. Pilot projects across Europe demonstrate that this is no longer a theoretical concern but a developing market.

Quantum computing itself represents the long-term promise. While still at a relatively early stage of maturity, the potential to solve complex computational problems far beyond classical capabilities is driving both public and private investment. Companies such as IQM and Pasqal have already attracted significant funding, while public institutions like the German Aerospace Center (DLR) are beginning to procure quantum computing systems.

This combination of early applications, infrastructure development, and long-term potential explains why quantum technologies are becoming a focal point of industrial policy and investment strategies.

IP as a Driver of Commercialization and Market Formation

One of the central insights from the interview series is that IP plays a decisive role in enabling the commercialization of quantum technologies. Harrison emphasizes that patenting is not only about protecting inventions but also about enabling value creation through licensing and collaboration.

Companies are increasingly building IP portfolios not only to secure their own technological position but also to prepare for cross-licensing environments. This is particularly relevant in complex technological systems, where multiple actors contribute complementary innovations. In such contexts, cross-licensing becomes almost inevitable, similar to what has been observed in telecommunications.

Research and technology organizations (RTOs) are also actively engaging in IP strategies. They are filing patents to license technologies and to support the creation of spin-offs. This indicates a broader shift from pure research towards commercialization-oriented innovation ecosystems.

From an IP management perspective, this changes the role of IP fundamentally. It is no longer sufficient to treat IP as a legal asset. Instead, it becomes a strategic tool for shaping market access, enabling partnerships, and positioning within emerging value chains.

Unique IP Challenges in Quantum Technologies

At the same time, quantum technologies introduce new challenges for IP protection that differ significantly from traditional ICT fields.

One of the most important issues concerns quantum algorithms. In many jurisdictions, mathematical methods as such are not patentable. However, quantum algorithms are inherently linked to physical quantum effects such as superposition and entanglement. This raises the question of whether they should be treated differently from classical algorithms in patent law.

Another unique aspect is the strong interdependence between hardware and software. In quantum technologies, the design of hardware is often closely linked to specific algorithms. This co-evolution creates a more integrated innovation landscape, where separating software and hardware for IP purposes becomes increasingly difficult.

This has direct implications for IP strategy. Companies need to think more carefully about how to structure their patent portfolios, how to define the technical contribution of their inventions, and how to position themselves in relation to competitors.

Standards, Interoperability, and the Role of Patents

A particularly important topic addressed in the interview series is the role of standards. As quantum technologies evolve, the need for interoperability and standardization becomes more pressing.

Harrison points out that standardization efforts in Europe are already underway, initially focusing on terminology and later on technical standards. This development is highly relevant for IP management, as patents often play a central role in standardization processes.

Companies that contribute patented technologies to standards can generate significant value through licensing. The example of the MP3 standard, developed and patented by the Fraunhofer Society, illustrates how standard-essential patents can become a major source of revenue over time.

For quantum technologies, this suggests that early positioning in standardization processes can have long-term strategic implications. It also highlights the need for a clear understanding of the relationship between IP protection and standardization strategies.

Investment Dynamics and Global Competition

Another key theme in the interviews is the relationship between technology maturity, investment, and IP.

Quantum technologies are still at different stages of development. While some applications are already being commercialized, others remain in early research phases. This affects investment decisions and the types of investors involved.

Harrison notes that both public funding and private investment are increasing, with specialized investors beginning to enter the field. At the same time, procurement activities by public institutions signal growing confidence in the technology.

From a global perspective, the competitive landscape is complex. The United States, the European Union, and China all play significant roles. While Europe has historically lagged behind in patent filings, there are indications that this gap is narrowing. This reflects a growing emphasis on the commercialization of IP in Europe.

For IP management, this means that strategic positioning cannot be limited to a single jurisdiction. Companies must consider global patent landscapes, international collaboration, and competitive dynamics across regions.

Why the Harrison Interview Series Matters for IP Management

The value of the Harrison interview series lies in its ability to connect technological developments with IP strategy and economic implications.

First, it provides a structured overview of how IP is already shaping the quantum technology landscape. This helps IP professionals move beyond abstract discussions and understand concrete mechanisms of value creation.

Second, the interviews highlight the importance of integrating IP considerations early into technology development. Waiting until technologies are mature is no longer sufficient, especially in a field where standards, ecosystems, and partnerships are evolving simultaneously.

Third, the series makes visible the role of IP in enabling collaboration. In complex innovation environments, no single actor can develop all necessary technologies alone. IP becomes a tool for coordinating contributions, managing dependencies, and enabling market transactions.

Finally, the interviews underline the need for new competencies in IP management. Traditional approaches focused on protection and enforcement are not enough. IP managers must understand technology trends, investment dynamics, and ecosystem structures.

Implications for Companies and IP Experts

For companies, the key implication is that IP strategy must be aligned with business strategy from the outset. This includes decisions about what to patent, how to structure portfolios, and how to engage in collaborations and standardization processes.

For IP experts, the challenge is to translate complex technological and legal developments into actionable guidance. This requires not only technical expertise but also an understanding of business models, market dynamics, and strategic positioning.

The Harrison interview series provides valuable input for this translation process. It highlights where uncertainties exist, where opportunities emerge, and where IP can create real value.

Outlook

Looking ahead, quantum technologies are likely to move from isolated pilot applications into more integrated industrial and digital infrastructures. As this transition unfolds, the role of intellectual property will become even more critical, not only in protecting individual inventions but in shaping entire ecosystems.

One key development to watch is the increasing convergence between standardization and IP. As technical standards in quantum communication, sensing, and computing begin to stabilize, companies will need to position their IP portfolios strategically within these frameworks. Early participation in standard-setting processes may determine long-term access to markets and revenue streams.

Another important trend is the growing sophistication of investment and commercialization models. As more specialized investors enter the field, IP will increasingly serve as a signal of technological maturity and strategic positioning. This will require companies to articulate their IP strategies not only internally but also towards external stakeholders.

At the same time, regulatory and policy frameworks will continue to evolve. Questions around the patentability of quantum algorithms, the treatment of hybrid hardware-software inventions, and the balance between openness and protection will remain central topics. These developments will require ongoing dialogue between policymakers, industry, and the IP community.

For IP management, this means that static approaches will no longer be sufficient. The ability to continuously adapt strategies, to anticipate shifts in technology and markets, and to engage with broader innovation ecosystems will become a defining capability.

In this dynamic environment, resources such as the Harrison interview series will remain essential. They provide not only insights into current developments but also orientation for navigating the uncertainties that characterize quantum technologies today.

Profile: Robert Harrison

Robert Harrison is an experienced IP and deep-tech advisor working at the intersection of intellectual property, technology commercialization, corporate governance, and strategic business development. With more than 30 years of international experience, his professional focus has consistently been on translating complex scientific and technical innovation into commercially viable structures, particularly in fields such as semiconductors, photonics, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, telecommunications, microtechnology, and advanced computing.

His background combines scientific, legal, and strategic expertise. Harrison holds a B.A. in Physics from the University of Oxford, an M.Sc. in Solid State Physics, and a Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering from the University of Sheffield. He began his IP career as an examiner at the European Patent Office in semiconductors and superconductors, later training as a patent attorney at IBM Deutschland GmbH. Over the following decades, he advised companies on patent strategy, licensing, commercialization, freedom-to-operate, IP due diligence, and IP valuation.

Today, Robert Harrison acts as Managing Director of Robert Harrison Consulting GmbH and serves as Of Counsel at Sonnenberg Harrison, the IP and technology law consultancy firm he co-founded. His current work includes advising deep technology companies on governance frameworks, market entry strategies, investor readiness, and commercial positioning in AI, semiconductor, and quantum ecosystems. He also supports the development of scalable business models that connect technical innovation with revenue pathways, partnerships, and international growth.

His involvement in the European quantum ecosystem is particularly relevant for the interview series. Harrison was a Governing Board Member of the European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC) from 2021 to 2025 and has worked on IP development and risk assessment in EU-funded innovation projects such as PhotonHub Europe. This gives him a practical view of how research, industry, public funding, and private investment interact in emerging technology fields.

This combination of scientific training, patent expertise, technology commercialization experience, and board-level advisory work makes Robert Harrison a particularly credible voice on IP and quantum technologies. His perspective is valuable because it does not treat IP as a narrow legal instrument. Instead, he connects IP with market formation, standards, investment readiness, and the strategic question of how deep-tech innovation can be turned into sustainable economic value.