Piloting the Quantum Economy Blueprint Lessons from Saudi Arabia

This white paper presents insights from Saudi Arabia's implementation of the World Economic Forum's Quantum Economy Blueprint, which aims to facilitate the transition of quantum technologies from research to economic impact. The document outlines the strategic challenges faced by policymakers as they navigate the uncertain landscape of quantum development. It emphasizes the importance of coordinated action to avoid fragmented ecosystems and maintain national competitiveness. The paper details a six-phase methodology used in Saudi Arabia's pilot, which includes ecosystem mapping, stakeholder engagement, and roadmap formulation. Key operational lessons highlight the necessity of national alignment with development priorities, a phased approach to implementation, and the importance of multistakeholder collaboration. Additionally, strategic lessons focus on talent development, hardware access, and the establishment of governance frameworks. The findings underscore that quantum readiness is contingent upon both institutional commitment and technological advancement, inviting countries to engage in collective learning to enhance global quantum readiness.