European Competence Framework for Quantum Technologies

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 framework is intended as 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. The structure of the framework is inspired by DigCompEdu, the Digital Competence Framework for Educators, which was used as a template. 

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. Details of the methodology are described in a separate text. 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.

In the long run, QTEdu envisions a European quantum education community characterized by adaptability, growth, and synergies among all relevant stakeholders. Here the competence framework’s central role is to provide a common language and point of reference. It is thus envisioned an ecosystem in which institutions can seamlessly augment their efforts with the appropriate modules, and learners can mix and match their education and training to fulfil their needs.