Quantum technologies have the power to transform sectors ranging from cryptographic security to climate modelling and sustainable infrastructure, creating valuable opportunities for Majority World countries to engage and benefit, generating unique economic opportunities – or leading to increased technological inequalities. Due to the lack of predictable and incremental advancements, caused by the highly uncertain trajectory of the technology with multiple possible technological solutions and shifting timelines, long-term regulatory planning through structured governance is challenging. Sandboxes offer a structured yet flexible environment for experimentation, particularly in contexts where strict regulations and a lack of interoperability have hindered innovation.

This policy brief proposes a dual governance approach that integrates experimentation to ensure agile yet responsible quantum technology development. An operational quantum sandbox would help Majority World countries explore the technology and its applications, similar to crypto and artificial intelligence (AI) sandboxes. It can later transition into a regulatory sandbox once risks and applications are identified. This approach serves both as a framework for agile quantum regulation and as a catalyst for leveraging the technology in problem-solving, taking into account the unique challenges posed by the technology’s specifics.

By emphasising measurable, individualised action items, the brief will highlight the intersection of quantum technologies with other emerging fields such as neuroscience and generative AI. It will also assess the capacities required for their initial implementation and explore potential avenues for collaboration with countries that have greater access to quantum technology than those in the Global South.