Lead, Quantum Technologies & Convergence

The World Economic Forum is an independent, not-for-profit organization, headquartered in Geneva, with offices in New York, San Francisco, Beijing, and Tokyo.

We are the trusted platform for public-private cooperation where leaders come together to understand global challenges and drive action across sectors and regions. We create spaces where different stakeholders engage openly, build trust, and collaborate to help solve shared global challenges.

Context and why we are recruiting?

Quantum technologies are expected to transform computation, communications and sensing, creating new opportunities across industries while reshaping economic competitiveness and societal resilience.  While quantum technologies provide opportunities ranging from accelerating drug discovery to solving problems that classical computers simply cannot. These opportunities are only possible with the intersection with other technologies to deliver real value.

Technology Convergence is the Fourth Industrial Revolution made real: the point at which physical, digital and biological technologies have reached a tipping point and begun combining to create waves of impact across industries. Within this, the quantum technologies are experiencing a rapid rate of maturation. Each year sees exponential increases in public and VC funding and major investments and new service offerings by leading companies in quantum.

To support the work on quantum technologies and the technology convergence portfolios, we are looking for a Lead to help build and engage the Quantum Economy Network and Technology Convergence communities.  The Lead will work in a matrix environment and deliver across the Quantum Economy Network and the Technology Convergence initiatives. The Lead will also develop and build the thematic synergies of Technology Convergence between AI and frontier technologies, such as robotics, space, climate and bio economy into the Technology Convergence roadmap across industry value chains.

Reporting line and how is this role embedded in the wider team?

The Lead, Quantum Technologies & Convergence reports to the Manager, Technology and Innovation within the Centre for Frontier Technologies and Innovation, and to the Initiatives Lead, Technology Convergence, Centre for AI Excellence.

The Lead will work closely with colleagues across the Centre for Frontier Technology and Innovation and Centre for AI Excellence, with other teams across the Forum, as well as with external stakeholders from industry, government, academia, start-ups and international organizations. Building productive relationships internally and externally will be essential for succeeding in this role.

What will you be responsible for?

Programme Management and Community Building

• Manage and lead workstreams for the Quantum Economy Network and Technology Convergence initiatives, through effective management and leadership of cross-functional teams, internal and external stakeholders, as well as through effective communication and reporting 

• Support the design and execution of quantum and AI activities with cross-industry exchanges to accelerate the adoption and spur action at the ecosystem level.

• Coordinate the activities of Project Fellows by providing clarity, facilitating communication, offering strategic assistance, tracking progress, and providing feedback

• Support the development of digital platforms in each; Quantum Applications Hub, and Technology Convergence AI-Dashboard

• Engage existing and prospective Forum Partners in Quantum Economy Network and Technology Convergence initiatives.

• Build and curate relevant multi-stakeholder communities committed to solving some of the most pressing challenges of businesses and societies, interacting with business, governments, and civil society.

Strategic integration

• Execute opportunities for the Forum’s global network of independent national and thematic Fourth Industrial Revolution Centres (C4IR Centres) to build on, benefit from and contribute to the Forum’s Quantum Economy Network initiatives or Technology Convergence Initiative 

• Collaborate with the Forum Leads on areas like AI and Data, Robotics Space, Biology, and Climate Technology, and strengthen in-house collaboration across Centres and industries, advancing the long-term vision and activities of both workstreams

• Collaborate with Centre for Frontier Technology and Innovation thematic areas thematic leads to ensure synergies between thematic topics and into technology convergence.

Thought Leadership

• Build consensus and develop thought leadership pieces on the elements intrinsic to quantum technologies and technology convergence.

• Lead content, reports, policy papers and blogs from concept to delivery.

• Drive public awareness on quantum technology and convergence internally and externally

• Keep abreast of and analyse the implications of key global and regional technology advancements and associated regulatory and policy changes.

• Identify related opportunities to inform global collaboration, industry adoption and policy updates at global or national level in priority countries.

• Design workshops, roundtables, and high-impact community events, that serve to drive awareness and/or provide first-party research input to the initiatives

What core knowledge, skills and experience are we looking to add to our team?

Domain Knowledge and Experience

• Broad intellectual background with a Master's degree from a recognized university in a cross-cutting field, ie. Economics, Computer science, engineering, social sciences and/or communications, with preference to experience in quantum technology, or advanced computing and innovation.

• 8-10 years’ work experience in a relevant organisation in technology-related domains, with a track record of building and driving successful global initiatives related to technology, advanced computing or other allied technology topics.

• Knowledge of Quantum Technologies and other emerging technologies, and curiosity for systems transformations and organizational behaviour or design, a bonus.

• Deep understanding of technology strategy, policy and the impact on value chains, and their potential in addressing industry and societal challenges is strongly desired.

• Experience designing, managing and facilitating communities, workshops, and meetings both virtually and in person.

• Proven and excellent project management and coordination skills; attention to detail; capacity to apply critical thinking, synthesize various viewpoints, experience collaborating with teams in diverse global locations in a fast-paced environment

Core Skills

• Strategic thinking with ability to identify trends and patterns of transformation

• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence

• Ability to communicate effectively with both business and technical stakeholders

• Excellent verbal and written language skills in English; verbal proficiency in other languages would be an asset

Why join us?

Join an independent and impartial organization with over 55 years of connecting leaders to make sense of global challenges and move the world forward together.