Europe’s Quantum Leap: What It Could Mean for Cities
The European Commission has just unveiled a new strategy to position Europe as a global leader in quantum technologies by 2030. Framed as a response to rising global competition, the strategy lays out a clear pathway for innovation, infrastructure, skills development and industrial leadership.
But beyond the science and tech headlines, this quantum push could have significant implications for Europe’s cities — as centres of research and education, as well as hubs of digital infrastructure, economic opportunity and secure public services.
What is Quantum Technology?
Quantum technology uses the unique properties of quantum physics, such as superposition and entanglement, to perform computing and communication tasks beyond the capabilities of today’s classical systems.
Unlike traditional computers, quantum devices can process complex problems faster, opening up revolutionary possibilities in fields like medicine, cybersecurity, and climate science. This emerging “deep tech” promises to reshape industries and urban life in ways we are only beginning to imagine.
Quantum: A deep tech revolution in motion
With capabilities far beyond current computing power, it has the potential to unlock breakthroughs in healthcare, climate modelling, cybersecurity and more.
The strategy focuses on five priority areas:
Research and innovation
Quantum infrastructure
Ecosystem development
Space and dual-use applications
Skills and workforce training
Actions include launching a European quantum internet pilot, building six quantum chip pilot lines, and establishing a Quantum Skills Academy by 2026. A legislative proposal (the Quantum Act) is expected in 2026 to further industrialise the sector.
The opportunity for cities
This is not just a high-tech policy reserved for national labs and industry giants. The quantum transition will require a network of local, regional and urban actors to turn potential into impact. Here’s how:
1. Skills and jobs in urban economies
By 2040, the quantum sector is expected to create thousands of highly skilled jobs across the EU. Cities with strong universities, research centres, and tech clusters are likely to attract these new roles. The proposed Quantum Skills Academy and expansion of Quantum Competence Clusters could position cities as talent magnets, especially those already investing in STEM education and innovation ecosystems.
2. Digital infrastructure and security
A secure quantum internet has major implications for urban services. Quantum encryption could protect sensitive municipal data, smart grids, and public health records in ways that current technologies cannot. Cities that integrate early with pilot networks could lead to future-ready infrastructure.
3. Urban innovation ecosystems
The rollout of quantum chip pilot lines and design facilities will depend on cross-sector collaboration. Local and regional governments can support these efforts by strengthening urban innovation districts, streamlining support for start-ups, and aligning smart specialisation strategies with emerging quantum priorities.
4. Space and resilience
While the space angle of the strategy may seem distant from urban concerns, dual-use technologies often find their way into everyday urban systems — from satellite navigation to environmental monitoring. Cities that embrace such spillovers early could benefit from advances in mobility planning, emergency services, and climate resilience.
Looking ahead
Europe’s quantum strategy is a chance to reshape the continent’s urban economies and digital infrastructure from the ground up. As the Commission prepares the Quantum Act and begins coordination with Member States, local and regional actors must not be left out of the conversation.Because the quantum future won’t just happen in labs. It will be built in cities.
