To unlock the potential of HPC and quantum technologies and advance their applications in Europe, not only are new policies, innovative initiatives or investments in R&D needed, but also the reskilling and upskilling of the workforce. HPC is a game changer in technology, bringing about the need for more advanced programming skills, such as parallel programming, and a mix of soft and highly-technical skills – necessary to drive forward the twin digital and green transition. 

One facilitator on this path is a common language and a point of reference for diverse stakeholders, such as the first version of the European Competence Framework on Quantum Technologies produced by QTEdu CSA in May 2021. This framework is envisioned to be a starting point for planning and structuring a variety of educational and training projects in Quantum Technologies, e.g., master programs at universities, training programs for the industry workforce, or educational research initiatives. 

Objective of the framework
In May 2021, the QTEdu consortium published the first version of the European Competence Framework for Quantum Technologies. The Competence Framework aims to map the landscape of competences and skills in Quantum Technologies thus establishing a common language facilitating communication and cooperation among different stakeholders in the education ecosystem. The structure of the framework is inspired by DigCompEdu, the Digital Competence Framework for Educators, which was used as a template. Find out more about the European Competence Framework for Quantum Technologies here. 

While version 1.0 of the Competence Framework presents an overview of what can be learned, the next version will also incorporate the different proficiency levels that can be reached when learning each competence and skill in Quantum Technologies, as well as job profiles with different focuses.  

QTEdu used a bottom-up approach to compile this Competence Framework, i.e., they ran a three-round Delphi study over the last year with many participants from the QT community. The study and its first results are presented in the Quantum Flagship Newsroom article. Moreover, the results were refined by conducting expert interviews for each subfield. In the future, the Competence Framework will be regularly updated as the field of Quantum Technologies evolves.

The framework is as a living document and welcomes suggestions for additions and corrections at any time. Do you have any feedback? Drop it in a comment below! 

Do you think the core competence areas are aligned with skills needs?

What is needed to encourage the increased uptake and application of quantum technologies and how can the framework help with this?

Will the framework reflect the diverse job roles within this area and how can it be improved? 

Share your perspective and input with the community!