17.12.2025
Quantum keeps cropping up in boardrooms, strategy decks and government roadmaps. It sounds abstract. Expensive. Slightly sci-fi.
It isn’t. And it’s closer to real-world impact than many leaders realise.
This is a straight-talking guide to quantum for decision-makers across aerospace, defence, infrastructure, energy, technology and beyond. No physics degree required.
So, what is “quantum”?
In simple terms, quantum technologies are built on the physics of very small particles such as atoms, electrons and photons. At that scale, the rules behave differently from everyday experience.
Quantum technologies use those rules to do things that classical technologies struggle with, or simply can’t do at all.
Think:
- Solving highly complex optimisation problems
- Measuring the physical world with extreme precision
- Securing data in fundamentally new ways
Not everything gets better. But some things get dramatically better.
The three main areas of quantum technology are quantum computing, quantum sensing and quantum communications
1. Quantum computing
Quantum computers use qubits rather than traditional bits.
This allows certain classes of problems to be tackled far more efficiently than on classical machines, including:
- Complex optimisation and scheduling
- Risk and portfolio modelling
- Materials and molecule simulation
- Cryptography and code breaking
Quantum computing is not about replacing today’s IT. It’s about tackling the hardest problems that classical computing hits a wall on.
2. Quantum sensing
Quantum sensors can detect tiny changes in gravity, magnetic fields, motion and time.
That opens the door to:
- More resilient navigation without GPS
- Advanced imaging and detection
- Better exploration of subsurface assets
- Improved diagnostics in healthcare and infrastructure
In many sectors, quantum sensing will deliver value sooner than quantum computing.
3. Quantum communications and security
Quantum introduces new ways to distribute encryption keys and detect eavesdropping.
At the same time, it creates a challenge. Powerful quantum computers will eventually be able to break much of today’s encryption.
That’s why organisations are already planning the shift to post-quantum security standards.
Why leaders are hearing about quantum now
First, investment has accelerated. Governments and large enterprises are backing quantum as a strategic capability, not a science experiment.
Second, access has improved. Early quantum systems and simulators are already available through the cloud. You can experiment without owning the hardware.
Third, the risk is real. Data encrypted today could be harvested and decrypted later. Competitive advantage will flow to organisations that learn early, not those that wait.
Quantum has moved from “interesting research” to board-level consideration.
What quantum does not mean
Let’s cut through the noise.
- It is not a general-purpose replacement for classical computing
- It is not magic AI
- It is not something you can safely ignore until it’s “finished”
Most workloads will stay on classical IT and cloud for years. Quantum will be used selectively, where it adds clear value.
And waiting until everything is mature comes at a cost. Early movers build know-how, talent pipelines and intellectual property. Late adopters buy technology. That’s the difference.
Quantum for AI
This isn’t quantum versus AI. It’s quantum with AI.
In the future, quantum machines may enhance parts of AI and machine learning workflows such as optimisation, sampling and training complex models.
Potential impact areas include:
- Advanced engineering and simulation
- Drug and materials discovery
- Logistics and routing
- Financial modelling
- Advanced engineering and simulation
AI for quantum
AI already plays a role in making quantum hardware usable, helping to control, stabilise and optimise fragile systems.
The reality for the next decade is hybrid:
- Classical computing
- AI
- Quantum
Each doing what it does best, working together on different parts of the same problem.
What leaders actually need to know
You don’t need to understand the maths. You do need clarity on three things:
1. Timelines and relevance
Quantum sensing and security are nearer-term. Quantum computing use cases will arrive in phases, sector by sector.
2. Use case fit
Focus on problems that are:
- High value
- Highly complex
- Hard or inefficient for classical computing
Examples include routing, grid optimisation, risk modelling, portfolio optimisation and molecule design.
3. Risk exposure
Recognise the “harvest now, decrypt later” threat and plan a transition to quantum-safe security. This is as much about governance as it is about technology.
Skills and organisational impact
Here’s the good news. You don’t need an army of physicists.
What you do need:
- A small core of quantum or advanced compute specialists
- Engineers, data and cyber professionals who are quantum aware
- Leaders who can interrogate proposals and spot hype
The real advantage comes from teams that connect quantum capability, AI and deep domain expertise.
Pragmatic steps to get quantum ready:
Educate
Run short, non-technical briefings for executives and senior managers. Focus on basics, timelines, opportunities and risks.
Explore
Identify two or three high-value problems in your organisation and test them with partners or cloud-based quantum tools and simulators.
Plan
Build quantum into your innovation, cyber and skills strategies. Include post-quantum security. When the technology matures, your organisation won’t be starting cold.
Quantum isn’t about betting the business on unproven tech. It’s about thinking sharper. Understanding where it fits, building literacy early and putting the right people around the problem. That’s how leaders turn emerging technology into practical advantage.
Morson bridges the gap between rapid technological change and human adaptability. By providing future-ready talent solutions, training programmes, consultancy capabilities, and supportive candidate pathways, Morson enables individuals and organisations to thrive in a world where skill relevance is constantly evolving.
