“Breakfast” discussion on quantum revolution with Raphaël Maurel

On Wednesday, 15 October 2025, Renaissance Numérique members had the pleasure of speaking with Raphaël Maurel, Senior Lecturer in Public Law at the University Bourgogne Europe CREDIMI, President of the RFDI, Director of Studies at the Observatory of Public Ethics, President and Founder of the Centre for the Study of Quantum Technology Developments (CevoteQ) and member of Renaissance Numérique.

This meeting was a unique opportunity to address the ethical, legal and geopolitical issues surrounding quantum technologies.

Raphaël Maurel highlighted three points in particular :

1. Ethics comes into play too late in the innovation process. In France, we need to move away from an approach based on rigid, unreflective principles, which often leads to ineffective and reactive regulation. We therefore need to rethink our approach ahead of the technological revolutions to come, particularly those driven by quantum technology.
2. There are many risks associated with the development and use of quantum technology, including diplomatic, military and environmental risks. It also carries risks in terms of its potential privatisation, its impact on our fundamental freedoms and rights, and the development of post-regulatory law in a hurry. On this last point, it is important to take a proactive approach and learn from recent experiences with regulations related to artificial intelligence.
3. France is among the world’s top three countries in the field of quantum skills development and research. It can consolidate its lead through its ecosystem of quantum start-ups by encouraging a researcher-entrepreneur model.