According to a SAS survey, businesses face crucial barriers to adoption of quantum technologies and quantum AI. How can they succeed?
Quantum computing and related technologies like quantum AI are regarded as the next big wave after generative AI and agentic AI.
Quantum AI brings together quantum computing and AI to develop new algorithms, models and systems that can process complex data, train complicated machine learning models, and solve problems considered challenging or impossible with traditional computers.
A global survey of 500 business leaders across industries found that interest in quantum is very high, with more than 60% of respondents indicating they are actively investing or exploring opportunities in quantum AI.
However, these business leaders also cited crucial barriers to adoption of quantum AI. Among their top concerns were high cost (38%), lack of understanding or knowledge (35%), and uncertainty around practical, real-world uses (31%).
Global survey
In April, SAS conducted a pulse survey of business managers across five countries: China, France, Mexico, the UK and the US. They represented a range of industries, including healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, retail, government and banking.
The survey found that more than 70% of respondents were very or somewhat familiar with the concept of quantum AI. And they saw the most potential for quantum AI in business functions related to data analytics and machine learning (48%), research and development (41%), cybersecurity (35%), supply chain and logistics (31%), finance and risk management (26%), and marketing (20%).
In addition, these business managers also cited a lack of trained personnel (31%) and a lack of clear regulatory guidelines (26%) as critical barriers to the adoption of quantum AI.
Clear roadmap and guidance needed
Today’s research into quantum computing and quantum AI is extremely complex, at times confusing, and too often cloaked in hype. And many predict widespread adoption of quantum technology to be years away.
The survey results indicate that while interest in quantum AI is on the rise, organizations need a clear roadmap and guide to better leverage this technology.
“Countries in Southeast Asia are laying strong foundations in quantum research and innovation through the development of national plans and investments,” said Luca Spinelli, Managing Director, ASEAN, SAS.
We’re seeing growing momentum among businesses exploring quantum AI to stay ahead. As data volumes and complexity increase, quantum computing offers revolutionary ways to accelerate decision-making and drive breakthroughs in areas like finance, healthcare and manufacturing.” Through pilot projects with customers, quantum AI research and work with leaders in quantum computing, SAS aims to provide guidance to businesses on applying quantum technologies in their organizations
