Europe leads world in quantum research despite deep industry scepticism

Europe accounts for around 30 per cent of quantum publications among the world’s 15 leading research countries, yet nine-in-10 professionals believe the technology’s impact is still years away or may never arrive, according to a new international study

Europe has emerged as the global leader in quantum computing research despite widespread scepticism among businesses over when the technology will make a meaningful impact.

The EU, UK and Switzerland together account for around 30 per cent of quantum publications among the world’s 15 leading research countries, ahead of the U.S on 28 per cent and China on 18 per cent, according to the 2026 Digital Disruption Matrix from ESSEC Business School.

Europe also accounts for 28.6 per cent of quantum unicorns and their funding, giving the region a strong position in a technology that many business leaders remain unconvinced will affect them any time soon.

Nine-in-10 professionals surveyed expect quantum computing to have an impact only after another two years or more, or believe it will never affect their sector, while half expect either no impact or only a minor one.

The findings form part of ESSEC’s annual study of five emerging technologies across 10 industries. It combines a survey of 1,000 professionals in 41 countries with data on unicorns, emerging companies, funding and business creation, alongside scientific publications and patents published between 2020 and 2025.