[Colloquium] Securing (the minds) behind the quantum dream? Emerging law and practice of knowledge security in quantum innovation

Quantum innovation faces major engineering hurdles in translating quantum science into quantum technologies that can scale up and commercialise. The key to unlocking quantum ambitions is the coming together of scientific expertise, engineering acumen and commercial savviness.

Achieving these ambitions has sparked intense global competition for talent and expertise. Governments and institutions are responding by developing rules to protect sensitive research and technologies - a concept known as “knowledge security.” In light of the proposed Dutch Knowledge Security Screening Bill (tabled for early 2027) and the recent EU Quantum Strategy (July 2025), this talk explores on what “knowledge security” means for the pursuit of quantum innovation.

Speakers

Anh Nguyen is a PhD researcher in the Law and Governance of Quantum Technologies research group within the Institute for Information Law (IViR) at the University of Amsterdam. Her PhD looks at how legal dynamics play out in the emergence of quantum innovation value chains. The project delves into the role of law in the ring-fencing of access to material resources, the politics of knowledge production, and value appropriation from techno-scientific research in quantum innovation.

Prof. Dr Machiko Kanetake is the academic director and the chair of the executive board of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut. She is also Professor of International Law and Security Governance at the University of Amsterdam.

Her groundbreaking research explores the intersection of international law, security, human rights, and technology, with a focus on sanctions, arms and dual-use export control at the international, EU, and national levels, and the regulation of surveillance technologies. Her current work centres on “research security” in Europe.