Shaping Quantum Futures: When, Who and Why Australians Engage with Quantum Innovation

Quantum technologies promise transformative societal benefits yet also introduce significant uncertainties and ethical considerations. Public engagement is essential for their development, not just as good practice, but as a foundational pillar of Responsible Innovation (RI). This paper explores when, who and why the public may engage with quantum innovation - addressing the gap between the need for engagement and uncertainty around how best to engage. Drawing on a representative survey of 608 Australians, we empirically examine public awareness, perceptions of risks and benefits, and willingness to engage at different stages of quantum technology development. Despite low awareness, overall attitudes were open and cautiously optimistic. Many expressed an interest in engaging, peaking in later stages of innovation, even though RI emphasises early, upstream participation. At the early ideation stage, public willingness to engage was driven by perceived risks with a desire to shape socially beneficial outcomes. When designing prototypes, participants valued practical, commonsense contributions. In later stages of testing and deployment, perceived benefits were stronger motivators. These findings show public interest in engaging with quantum innovation, though effective engagement strategies must be adaptive, aligning engagement opportunities with public motivations at each stage to reflect societal values and avoid socially irresponsible path-dependent development.