Future of work
A curated resource of recent research on trends shaping Canada's labour market.
Quantum technology is on the leading edge of new possibilities in science, computing, and communication. Quantum science will play a growing role in the future of work, whether by powering the tools workers use in multiple sectors (such as advanced sensors or secure communication systems) and by creating new opportunities in the further research and development of quantum technologies.
Quantum science and technology is a rapidly growing field that exists at the intersection of quantum mechanics and information technology. Quantum mechanics refers to how units of matter behave at their most fundamental level. When combined with information technology, quantum mechanics has implications for a wide variety of sectors—including materials science, computation, communication, encryption, security, and more.
With such enormous potential and possibility comes the need to build expertise and a workforce that can fully leverage the exploration phase and apply the resulting theory to practice. To ensure Canada’s competitive edge in this crucial sector, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada has announced $74 million in funding for 107 quantum science projects.
This work is part of the Government of Canada’s National Quantum Strategy, which is focused on quantum algorithms and encryption, communications, computing, materials, and sensing. The work will be done through cross-sectoral collaboration and partnerships involving universities, innovation hubs across Canada, and the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.