Diversity In Technology

Quantum Computing and Defense: The Next Strategic Frontier Quantum computing presents major implications for future military and defense technology. Based on available public and government data, five nations are leading global investment in quantum research with dual-use (civil and defense) potential: 🇨🇳 China ↳ Estimated $15 billion in national quantum R&D funding ↳ PLA-linked institutes developing quantum communication and sensing ↳ Quantum satellite demonstrations for secure communication ↳ Leads globally in quantum patents and publications 🇺🇸 United States ↳ Multi-billion-dollar investment through the National Quantum Initiative ↳ Coordination across DOE, NSF, DOD, and NIST ↳ Defense projects via DARPA and Air Force Research Lab ↳ Focus on quantum cryptography, simulation, and sensing systems 🇪🇺 European Union ↳ Over €10 billion committed by EU and member states collectively ↳ Quantum Flagship (€1 billion) drives collaborative R&D ↳ Focus on dual-use sensors, communications, and aircraft systems ↳ Partnerships across Germany, France, and the Netherlands 🇬🇧 United Kingdom ↳ £2.5 billion (≈ $3 billion) through the National Quantum Strategy ↳ MOD projects in quantum radar, navigation, and timing ↳ Strong collaboration between government, academia, and industry ↳ Clear pathway toward operational defense applications 🇨🇦 Canada ↳ CAD 360 million through the National Quantum Strategy ↳ Partnerships between universities and the Department of National Defence ↳ Research focused on secure communications and quantum simulation ↳ Active contributor within NATO’s emerging tech discussions These investments reflect each nation's strategic priorities in next-generation defense capabilities. The data shows substantial government commitment across all five countries, with varying approaches to implementation. What trends do you see in your country's technology investments? Share your thoughts on defense technology development ♻️ Repost to help people in your network Follow me for more defense technology analysis

I think this is the single biggest challenge of any #inclusion and #diversity practitioner's role: challenging the status quo of the organisations we work for without shaking them so hard we end up being shown the exit door instead. Timothy R. Clark lays out some incredibly helpful principles in this Harvard Business Review article, but, for me, the core message is: challenging the status quo is the mechanism that leads to innovation and improvement. Yet, we have to acknowledge it's also a behaviour that causes fear and trembling – especially for those in positions of power, who may feel threatened by what the work towards equity may mean to their stand in the organisation. What I see among peers in my field is a good dose of courage to challenge things, but that's rarely enough – one also needs some core skills to get ahead. Here's my attempt to summarise some tips from the author: 1️⃣ Develop anticipatory readiness: embrace natural workflows of the organisation as opportunities. Prepare as meticulously as a venture capitalist pitching an idea. The lower your position, the tighter your case should be. That means anticipating the questions people may ask you – like "why design a programme for employees from minoritised groups if we should treat everyone the same?" 2️⃣ Seek permission: inquire explicitly for the green light to challenge existing norms. Acquire institutional support to reposition interactions as contributions rather than confrontations. That may mean securing a sponsor of your initiative among senior leadership, who may act as a broker for your ideas by leveraging their political power. 3️⃣ Try an inquiry-first approach: neutralise defensiveness by initiating challenges with inquiry. Engage in conversations that recruit others into dialogue, fostering critical thinking and openness to change. That may mean starting with a more "vanilla" version of your proposal to get initial buy-in, before proposing more audacious changes. 4️⃣ Master #EmotionalIntelligence: create #PsychologicalSafety for all parties involved. Lead with self-awareness, keenly observing and responding to non-verbal cues. Respect and empathy can diffuse tension and facilitate understanding. This may mean saying 'yes' to things you initially disagree with in order to attain better outcomes in the long run. 5️⃣ Seek contextual understanding: grasp the history behind the status quo. Demonstrate profound knowledge of past decisions and the current state before pushing for change. The tips above may look simpler than they are, especially as DEI work is often emotionally laborious and it can be hard to find the mental space to position ideas in such meticulously strategic ways. What has helped in my practice is keeping my eyes on the prize (i.e.: equity): even when the road is winding, as long as it's leading us all closer to that, I can sleep in peace. What else works on your experience?

There are three types of organizations I’ve work with: 1️⃣ Those that consist of homogeneous groups. These teams share similar backgrounds, perspectives, and approaches, which can result in groupthink and limited innovation. 2️⃣ Those that consist of diverse teams. They have diversity on paper but struggle to unlock its full potential due to the absence of true inclusivity. 3️⃣ The rarest: those that consist of diverse and inclusive teams. These organizations know how to leverage their diversity through intentional inclusion, creating an environment where everyone contributes to a shared success. Here’s how I help organizations move from the first two types to the third: 🧠 Mindset In many diverse groups, diversity is seen as a challenge rather than an advantage. I help teams embrace a Diversity-Sum Mindset™, where varied perspectives are combined to fuel creativity, drive innovation, and amplify results. 🧡 Psychological Safety Diverse groups often lack the conditions needed for all voices to be heard, leading to disengagement or missed opportunities. I work to build Psychological Safety, where trust flourishes, and team members feel empowered to contribute their boldest ideas without fear. 🎯 Decision-Making Decision-making in diverse groups can be dominated by a few voices, stifling collective insight. Through Inclusive Decision-Making, I help teams integrate different viewpoints into cohesive strategies that lead to more balanced, innovative outcomes. 🕸 Collective Intelligence When teams can’t synergize their diverse ideas, they miss out on true innovation. I guide teams toward harnessing Collective & Collaborative Intelligence, unlocking their full potential to solve complex problems and adapt to new challenges. I designed this blueprint because I saw it from practice: the teams that thrive are those that embed diverse perspectives into their everyday actions, supported by a strong mindset, trust, and inclusive decisions. 🤔 P.S.: What kind of team have you been part of—homogeneous, diverse, or truly diverse & inclusive?

Have you ever considered how many potential “Marie Curies” we lose each year to systemic gender gaps in innovation and intellectual property (IP)? Read Professor Myriam Mariani’s insights into a more inclusive innovation and IP ecosystem in our latest World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO IP and Economics blog. It discusses the barriers women face in the innovation sector and suggests potential solutions to achieve gender parity. According to WIPO’s latest report on the global gender gap in innovation and creativity, over the past 20 years only 23% of international patents included at least one woman as a listed inventor, and overall, only 13% of all inventors listed were women. These figures highlight not just a participation gender gap but also reveal unused potential in the global innovation landscape. Professor Mariani outlined several reasons for the need to increase women’s participation in innovation: 1.   Expanding the talent pool, as over-reliance on male talent and underutilizing female talent limits the diversity, quantity and quality of ideas. 2.   Ensuring equal opportunities for all, allowing everyone the freedom to become an inventor, regardless of gender. 3.   Addressing innovation gaps in technologies, as women inventors often bring more patents focused on their own needs, experiences and interests. At WIPO, we are committed to changing these statistics by promoting a more inclusive innovation ecosystem that embraces diversity and nurtures talent to ensure that innovation thrives on the talents of all, unrestricted by gender. Let’s discuss how we can support a more inclusive environment that celebrates and nurtures diverse inventors, prevent the loss of potential “Marie Curies” and build a more inclusive future. Read Prof. Mariani’s insights: https://lnkd.in/eqD_ug9K Find out more about WIPO’s work regarding the Innovation Gender Gap: https://lnkd.in/eChJVxZJ #GenderDiversity #Innovation #IntellectualProperty #WIPO #InnovationEcosystem #Economics #WomenInInnovation #GenderEquality

THE DIVERSITY JIG IS UP ‼️ Diversity itself doesn't actually create innovation. What leaders do with diversity does 🤔 I was reminded of this in a sparring session this week with a Director of DEI who had booked time as part of my Activist to Activator ™️ Programme for inclusion professionals. I was pressure-testing her thinking to help sharpen her Exec level presentation, and immediately got her to pause before reaching for DEI drives innovation business case. Here's the thing 👇🏾 Diverse organisations can still fall victim to groupthink. I know, because I've worked inside some. I've sat in rooms full of different diverse faces, but the same people were muzzled. Eventually conformity quietly becomes the order of the day. And the moment that happens, you lose the very thing diversity was supposed to give you. You lose 👇🏾 The lived experience, diversity of thought, and different way of solving a problem that only comes from someone who sees it differently, gradually disappears. Instead people learn what is safe to say, what or who isn’t worth challenging, which opinions are rewarded, and whose ideas often quietly disappear. Whether it's fear, unspoken expectation, or the risk of exclusion, people find themselves toeing the line. Not because they lack insight. Because the culture never gave them permission to use it. So no, diverse teams don't automatically produce better ideas or automatically create innovation. Diversity doesn't bypass the work of building the right cultural architecture that allows diverse voices actually speak, and be heard. That's the real work. Leaders create the conditions where different perspectives are invited, challenged, debated and ultimately turned into better decisions.   Leadership determines whether diversity becomes a competitive advantage. So before you reach for that McKinsey proof point, ask yourself if your leadership and culture architechure is mature enough to bring it to life! To the future 🚀 #Leadership #DEI #Innovation #WorkplaceCulture #ThoughtLeadership

A new business leader asked me - how do I manage my team's diverse perspectives for best business growth? Here's what I said: Think of your team's diverse perspectives like ingredients in a chemistry lab. Each viewpoint brings unique properties that, when combined strategically, create powerful market impact. Here's my proven formula: 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧 - Actively gather different perspectives through structured brainstorming sessions. Don't just invite input, create safe spaces where contrarian views are valued. 𝗦𝗬𝗡𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗭𝗘 - Look for the intersection points. Where do different perspectives complement rather than compete? The magic happens when you blend customer insights from your sales team with operational efficiency ideas from your ops people. 𝗙𝗢𝗖𝗨𝗦 - Convert diverse thinking into singular strategic action. Multiple perspectives shouldn't paralyze decision-making; they should inform it. 𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗘 - Track how perspective diversity translates to business outcomes. Are you seeing increased innovation? Better problem-solving? Enhanced market reach? 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀: Diversity without direction creates chaos. Strategic action without diverse input creates blind spots. But when you systematically channel different viewpoints into focused execution, you create sustainable competitive advantage. Remember: Your team's varied backgrounds aren't obstacles to alignment - they're your secret weapon for seeing opportunities others miss. #business #growth #opportunities #diversity

On the best teams, people don’t feel pressure to fit in. They feel empowered to stand out. 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿—𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿. Especially in AI, where the implications of decisions and models reach billions, homogeneity isn’t just a limitation—it’s a liability. A few ways to build teams that truly innovate: 🤝 Break the echo chamber. Before group discussions, pair people up to explore ideas. Then do a share-out. This gives quieter voices room to rise—and surfaces edge-case thinking critical to AI fairness and model robustness. 💬 Interrupt the interruption. If someone gets cut off, step in: “Can we let them finish?” This simple nudge builds a culture where all perspectives—not just the loudest—shape the outcome. ✅ Create a “It’s okay to…” list. “It’s okay to ask why.” “It’s okay to challenge assumptions.” “It’s okay to flag ethical red flags in the model.” Explicit permission sparks courage—and courage sparks progress. In AI product teams, we need not just engineers and PMs, but ethicists, psychologists, linguists, and global users. Because building for everyone starts with listening to everyone. #Leadership #DiversityInTech #AI #InclusiveTeams #PsychologicalSafety #Innovation #TeamCulture #ResponsibleAI

A decade ago, quantum computing was a niche research field. Today, it’s a national security asset. Quantum processors are no longer just being designed in labs—they’re being 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱, 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱. Governments around the world are tightening 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀, 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 in an attempt to stay ahead in the quantum race. 🔹 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗦 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗽 with strict export controls on quantum computers, cryogenics, control electronics, and even outbound investments in Chinese quantum firms. Key Chinese quantum institutes are blacklisted, cutting them off from high-end Western components. 🔹 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽. Countries like France, Germany, and the UK have added quantum tech to their national export control lists, even ahead of formal EU-wide rules. The UK and Japan have imposed licensing requirements for quantum hardware exports to prevent tech leakage to adversaries. 🔹 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲. On one hand, it's accelerating its self-reliance strategy, pouring billions into domestic quantum R&D to break dependence on Western suppliers. On the other, China is tightening its own export laws—potentially restricting key quantum-related materials and technologies. 🔹 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲, aligning with US and EU tech policies to secure access to advanced quantum systems while positioning itself as a key emerging player. 🚨 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗴 𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲? Quantum technology is turning into a 𝗴𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁, not just a scientific breakthrough. Nations are using export controls, trade agreements, and investment restrictions to shape who leads and who lags. The result? A world where access to quantum hardware is increasingly 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀. As someone deep in this space, I wonder: Are these restrictions necessary to protect national security, or are we risking a fragmented quantum ecosystem?

National Quantum Strategy Briefing Report Quantum computing has increasingly been recognized by governments as a strategic national capability with far-reaching implications for economic competitiveness, national security, scientific #leadership, and technological #sovereignty. As a result, a growing number of countries have adopted formal national #quantum strategies that converge around five pillars: sustained public investment in quantum #research, pathways for commercialization and scale-up, development of a highly skilled quantum #workforce, protection of critical infrastructure, and alignment with #standards, #cybersecurity, and #governance frameworks. Several advanced economies have already published comprehensive national quantum strategies. #Germany introduced one of the earliest coordinated national approaches and has continued to refine it through updated federal programs. #France launched its national quantum plan in 2021, emphasizing sovereignty, industrial competitiveness, and dual-use applications. The #UnitedKingdom published a 10-year National Quantum Strategy in 2023, integrating research excellence with commercialization and defense priorities. #Canada released its National Quantum Strategy the same year, positioning quantum as a cornerstone of long-term economic growth and innovation. At the supranational level, the European Union adopted the Quantum Europe Strategy, framing quantum technologies as essential to strategic autonomy and future competitiveness. #SouthKorea has similarly advanced a national strategy focused on industrial leadership and global supply-chain positioning. #China, #India, and #Australia have each adopted distinct national approaches to quantum technologies reflecting their economic models and strategic priorities. China embeds quantum development within long-term state planning, emphasizing large-scale public investment, infrastructure build-out, and technological self-reliance across communications, computing, and sensing. India advances quantum computing through its mission-driven National Quantum Mission, which focuses on capacity building, indigenous innovation, workforce development, and strategic applications aligned with national digital initiatives. Australia’s National Quantum Strategy is industry-centric, prioritizing commercialization, talent attraction, research translation, and international collaboration to position the country as a competitive global quantum #innovation hub. The United States recently took a step with a newly issued executive order on quantum technologies, mandating a whole-of-government approach and directing federal agencies to update and operationalize a comprehensive National Quantum Strategy. It emphasizes accelerated deployment of quantum computing, sensing, and networking capabilities; strengthened public–private and allied partnerships; and enhanced coordination across research, #defense, and #energy agencies.

A Nobel laureate says the US leads China in quantum computing by "nanoseconds." I think even that may be optimistic. After spending months investigating every dimension of China's quantum program, I just published the capstone of my China's Quantum Ambition Deep Dive - a 10-article series that examines China's quantum trajectory across industrial policy, investment, infrastructure, talent, computing hardware, networking, sensing, and supply chain resilience. I know this thesis won't be popular in my network. But I believe that, if nothing changes in relevant trends, China will win the quantum cold war. The thesis is evidence-based: the same pattern that delivered Chinese dominance in EVs, 5G, drones, robotics, solar, and shipbuilding is now pointed at quantum computing. China leads in 69 of 74 critical technologies tracked by ASPI. It operates the world's only carrier-grade quantum network. It has exported its first quantum computer. And it is turning Western export controls into an accelerant for self-sufficiency... To make matters worse: while China mobilizes government, military, state enterprises, and academia as a single coordinated system, the US proposed cutting NSF quantum research funding by 37%. Scientists are leaving US institutions for Chinese universities. Over 1,000 US faculty signed a letter warning that America's own policies "served the recruitment goals of the PRC better than any talent program they ever implemented." China's quantum weaknesses are real - the error correction gap, weak private sector, growing isolation. I document them honestly. But the West is dismantling the very advantages that should compensate. I lived and worked in China. The executives who dismissed Chinese competition have, one by one, been proven wrong. This series is my attempt to explain why the same thing is about to happen in quantum. Full series: https://lnkd.in/dwBnVWDu #Quantum #QuantumComputing #China #QuantumSovereignty #QuantumTech