Brad Watts
Vice President, Patents and Innovation Policy, Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC), U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Published
September 16, 2024
Experts agree that quantum computing holds the key to the next generation of breakthroughs across critical sectors like healthcare, green tech, supply chain optimization, and machine learning. With the potential to become a $1.3 trillion industry by 2035, it's no surprise that the U.S. government is keen on exploring this realm. However, for quantum computing to reach its full potential, a collaborative partnership between the public and private sectors is essential. Unfortunately, until the Biden administration reverses its plan to “march in” under the Bayh-Dole Act and seize innovators’ ideas, the potential in quantum computing innovation could remain unrealized.
An Uncertain Future for Quantum Computing
Harnessing the promise of quantum computing envisioned by American leaders and desired by its citizens requires mutual efforts from the public and private sectors. Quantum computing is a cutting-edge technology with the potential to solve specific problems far more efficiently than traditional computers. Imagine tackling complex issues that would take traditional computers thousands of years to solve in mere minutes. For example, quantum computers can simulate intricate chemical reactions to help pharmaceutical researchers understand how potential new medicines might work to cure diseases.
Harnessing this potential requires mutual efforts from the public and private sectors. The Bayh-Dole Act has been facilitating such collaborations for over 40 years. However, the uncertainty that the march-in proposal creates around Bayh-Dole's established licensing framework hampers the formation of future partnerships.
Government Support Helps Enable Advancement in Quantum Computing
American policymakers and other government leaders have been quick to back new quantum computing projects. The U.S. Chamber for example supported the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act to continue this progress. Notably, through various levels of government support, PsiQuantum — a quantum computing company based in Palo Alto, California–is on the path to building the world's largest quantum computing facility in Chicago.
These investments should position the American quantum computing ecosystem for growth. Unfortunately, under the Biden Administration’s march-in proposals, the federal government wants to seize patents derived from federally funded research. This move would undermine the very protections that have fueled decades of innovation.
Government funding alone isn’t enough to fuel the future of quantum computing. Public and private innovators need the ability to leverage their unique strengths, resources, and talents in a stable, secure collaborative environment. That’s why the Biden Administration must withdraw its march-in proposal, support continued collaboration with the private sector, and reassert support of America’s broad and dynamic innovation ecosystem.
About the authors
Brad Watts
Brad Watts is the Vice President for Patents and Innovation Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC). He works with U.S. Chamber members to foster a political, legal, and economic environment where innovators and creators can invest in the next big thing for the benefit of Americans and the world.
Jordan Crenshaw
Crenshaw is Senior Vice President of the Chamber Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC).
