Italy's antitrust authority on Tuesday launched a factâfinding inquiry into the quantum computing sector, citing risks linked to market concentration, technological lockâin and the growing influence of global cloud providers in shaping access.
Quantum technology could make processing far faster than conventional computing, âhas the potential â to â affect every part of the economy and could be worth trillions of âdollars within the next decade, according to consultancy McKinsey.
The authority flagged âconcerns that heavy investment requirements, fastâexpanding patent landscape and reliance on proprietary hardware and software could favour a small number âof dominant players.
It pointed in particular to â large cloud "hyperscalers" âthat have begun offering quantum computing capabilities âas part âof their platforms, potentially extending their existing â market power into the emerging field.
As part of âthe review, the Italian regulator, which made no âreference to specific companies in its statement, will gather views from market participants.
Alphabet's, Amazon and Microsoft are among several major technology firms investing in quantum computing - which promises to solve problems beyond the reach of today's machines.
Italy's regulator âalso noted a sharp increase in quantumârelated patent filings, outpacing other technology areas and contributing to âwhat it âdescribed as a â trend of global "tech pre-emption" that could undermine market contestability.
It added that earlyâstage acquisitions of quantum startâups warrant closer scrutiny, including in âItaly, where such companies have been increasing in numbers.
The regulator said it expects to conclude the inquiry by December 31. Stakeholders may submit contributions by April 30 on market structure, competitive dynamics, intellectual property, consolidation trends and strategicâdependency issues.
Quantum technology could make processing far faster than conventional computing, âhas the potential â to â affect every part of the economy and could be worth trillions of âdollars within the next decade, according to consultancy McKinsey.
The authority flagged âconcerns that heavy investment requirements, fastâexpanding patent landscape and reliance on proprietary hardware and software could favour a small number âof dominant players.
It pointed in particular to â large cloud "hyperscalers" âthat have begun offering quantum computing capabilities âas part âof their platforms, potentially extending their existing â market power into the emerging field.
As part of âthe review, the Italian regulator, which made no âreference to specific companies in its statement, will gather views from market participants.
Alphabet's, Amazon and Microsoft are among several major technology firms investing in quantum computing - which promises to solve problems beyond the reach of today's machines.
Italy's regulator âalso noted a sharp increase in quantumârelated patent filings, outpacing other technology areas and contributing to âwhat it âdescribed as a â trend of global "tech pre-emption" that could undermine market contestability.
It added that earlyâstage acquisitions of quantum startâups warrant closer scrutiny, including in âItaly, where such companies have been increasing in numbers.
The regulator said it expects to conclude the inquiry by December 31. Stakeholders may submit contributions by April 30 on market structure, competitive dynamics, intellectual property, consolidation trends and strategicâdependency issues.
Meridiano
