Collaboration in the quantum technology ecosystem: an exploration of opportunities and challenges in the legal and regulatory frameworks for research security in Australia.

Start year: 2025

Summary: Collaboration is the active ingredient for developing quantum technologies in Australia. It is a key focus of government innovation policy globally. In Australia, quantum specific collaborative efforts are generously funded through initiatives such as the critical technologies challenge program and other funding arrangements. Yet, the legal and regulatory frameworks governing research security in Australia operate as both an enabler and as a blocker of collaboration between researchers, businesses and governments. This project puts collaboration at the centre of its inquiry and critically evaluates research security laws that enable and block effective collaboration, using real world examples. It aims to advance legal knowledge by asking to what extent collaboration is impacted by laws for dual-use and critical quantum technologies. The project will present original doctrinal and empirical research, seeking to demonstrate instances of effective collaboration and provide recommendations for improving research security laws applicable to the quantum technology ecosystem in Australia.

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.