Towards quantum ethics, sustainability and governance agenda

Purpose Quantum technologies are realising their potential from concepts to practical life applications, influencing societal paradigms with tangible outcomes. The quantum technology literature with a management perspective is rare, especially in the ethics, sustainability and governance domains. This study aims to investigate the emerging ethical, sustainability and governance agendas associated with the rise of quantum technologies, which remain underexplored in current management literature. Design/methodology/approach The need for quantum ethics, sustainability and governance research is nascent and requires management study lenses to facilitate responsible quantum innovation. The paper attempts to deliver a comprehensive assessment of quantum technologies using the literature survey method with ethics, sustainability and governance concerns, problems and impacts at its core. The quantum ethics, sustainability and governance literature are reviewed and aligned with the applied theories, contexts, characteristics and methodology (TCCM)-led research acumen. Findings The research offers in-depth insights into the quantum world and facilitates a smooth transition to draw the responsible agenda for quantum transformation. The review provides an in-depth discussion of the current status quo of quantum technologies in the context of responsible innovation and its readiness. Research limitations/implications The research exemplifies the need for quantum tools and accelerators to benchmark and assess quantum ethics, sustainability and governance. Corporate digital responsibility (CDR) and green scaling & interoperability are the concerns of sustainable quantum initiatives. The democratisation of quantum technologies to various stakeholders, encryption, privacy, ownership, traceability and communication-led digital constitutionalism rights are the concerns to be addressed with the governance agenda. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study provides a first-of-its-kind thematic quantum ethics, sustainability and governance map to adopt actionable research. The practical implications of the research will provide a robust praxis outline for future inferences.