Cambridge leads the global ranking, followed by Helsinki, Oxford, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Glasgow. The UK and the US dominate the top tier, while the EU places Helsinki and Karlsruhe in the upper third.
Why It Matters: Quantum research requires specialised, expensive, and hard‑to‑replicate infrastructure.
- Talent remains globally scarce and concentrated in a handful of physics and engineering hubs.
- Supply chains are immature, and commercialisation timelines remain long. Clusters help consolidate capabilities, reduce fragmentation, and accelerate translation from lab to market.
- Policymakers can use cluster analysis to shape targeted interventions on investment, skills, and infrastructure.
The Global Picture: ECIPE distinguishes between quantum clusters—dense ecosystems with universities, startups, industry, and government actors—and quasi-clusters, where activity is growing but has not yet reached critical mass. The lens clarifies structural advantages: regions with mature academic traditions and high research output tend to outperform, while emerging ecosystems depend on coordinated public investment and talent development.
What We’re Watching in Rome: On 17 December, Rome hosts the Stati Generali Quantum, a high‑level event dedicated to the implementation of Italy’s national quantum strategy. Our sister website Formiche is a media partner.
- Institutional participation underscores the political weight of the initiative. Opening remarks and contributions will feature:
- Alessio Butti, Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers with responsibility for Technological Innovation and Digital Transition
- Guido Crosetto, Minister of Defence
- Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy
- Alfredo Mantovano, Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Authority delegated for National Security
These interventions signal the government’s intent to integrate quantum technologies into national industrial policy, defence planning, innovation strategy, and security governance. The event may help define the next phase of Italy’s quantum investments.
Worth to note: In an interview with Decode39, Marco Pistoia, newly appointed CEO of IonQ Italy, recently explained how the company’s decision to establish its first full-fledged European technological hub in Rome could reshape Italy’s industrial base — and why quantum computing may offer the country a chance to position itself as a bridge between the United States, the European Union and the broader Mediterranean region.
