IBM Study: Skills Gap Hinders Quantum Adoption for 61% of Firms
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The IBM Institute for Business Value (IBM IBV) developed the Quantum Readiness Index (QRI) in 2023 to assess organizational preparedness for quantum computing adoption. Leveraging data from an in-depth survey of C-suite executives across 750 organizations in 28 countries and 14 industries, the 2025 index reveals that 61% of firms face inadequate quantum skills as a primary barrier. Investment in quantum computing currently comprises 11% of organizational R&D budgets—an increase from 7% in 2023—but readiness varies significantly. The study indicates that organizations preparing for quantum advantage by 2027 anticipate 53% more ROI by 2030 compared to those that do not. Quantum Readiness and its Measurement The IBM Institute for Business Value (IBM IBV) developed the Quantum Readiness Index (QRI) in 2023 to measure organizational preparedness for quantum computing. This weighted index evaluates strategy, technology, and operations, resulting in a 100-point score to track readiness over time. In 2025, the average global QRI score rose to 28, a six-point increase from 2023, though overall readiness remains low. Organizations scoring 35 or higher are designated as quantum-ready, demonstrating robust operational models and emerging capabilities. Quantum-ready organizations (QROs) are distinguished by their proactive approach, with 83% motivated by accelerating innovation and solving intractable business problems. A significant 88% are focused on future-proofing their computing strategy. These organizations allocate an average of 11% of their R&D budgets to quantum computing, a rise from 7% in 2023, but commitment varies across industries. They prioritize dismantling barriers to quantum adoption, rather than simply acknowledging them. Challenges to quantum readiness remain prevalent, including inadequate quantum skills (61%), immature technology (56%), unclear use case timelines (46%), and expensive hardware (41%). However, organizations preparing for quantum advantage by 2027 anticipate a 53% higher ROI by 2030. Diversifying across use cases like simulation, search, and algebraic problems, with 34% of organizations unsure which will deliver first, is a key strategy. Key Drivers of Quantum Leadership The IBM Institute for Business Value (IBM IBV) developed the Quantum Readiness Index (QRI) to assess organizational preparedness for quantum computing. The QRI is a 100-point index evaluating strategy, technology, and operations, weighted based on client experience. The average global QRI score rose to 28 in 2025, up six points from 2023, indicating progress but still low overall readiness. Top-performing organizations, designated as quantum-ready (QROs), achieved scores of 35 or higher, demonstrating robust operational models and emerging capabilities. Quantum-ready organizations (QROs) are driven by accelerating innovation (83%) and solving intractable business problems (83%), also future-proofing their computing strategy (88%). These organizations are investing an average of 11% of their R&D budgets into quantum computing, a rise from 7% in 2023. However, a significant challenge remains with 61% citing inadequate quantum skills, 56% facing immature technology, 46% unclear use case timelines, and 41% expensive hardware. Organizations preparing for quantum advantage by 2027 anticipate a 53% higher return on investment (ROI) by 2030 compared to their peers. The IBM IBV identified five critical realities driving quantum leadership, including the importance of organizational readiness alongside tech maturity, adopting portfolio approaches to hedge against uncertainty, recognizing the amplifying effect of quantum and AI, addressing expanding talent gaps, and building in responsible computing practices from the start. Strategic Approaches to Quantum Investment The IBM Institute for Business Value (IBM IBV) developed the Quantum Readiness Index (QRI) to evaluate organizational preparedness for quantum computing. This index, a weighted average scored out of 100, considers strategy, technology, and operations. The average global QRI score rose to 28 in 2025, a six-point increase from 2023, though readiness remains low overall. Top-performing organizations, designated as quantum-ready, achieved scores of 35 or higher, demonstrating robust operational models and emerging capabilities. Quantum investment now comprises 11% of R&D budgets on average, rising from 7% in 2023, but varies significantly by sector. Organizations expecting quantum advantage by 2027 anticipate a 53% higher ROI by 2030. Leading organizations prioritize accelerating innovation (83%) and solving intractable business problems (83%) with quantum computing, while also future-proofing their computing strategies (88%). A diversified portfolio approach, covering areas like simulation, search, and algebraic problems, hedges against uncertainty, as 34% of organizations are unsure which use case will deliver first advantage. Quantum-ready organizations are not only investing in technology, but also focusing on strategic alignment and operational maturity. While operational maturity currently drives readiness, strategy and advanced technology will become increasingly important as adoption grows. These leading organizations report the steepest skills challenges, indicating that scaling projects requires interdisciplinary expertise. However, only 2% prioritize responsible computing practices when selecting providers, revealing dangerous governance gaps despite widespread concern over quantum risks. Challenges and Gaps in Quantum Adoption Organizations preparing for quantum advantage face several challenges. A recent survey revealed that 61% struggle with inadequate quantum skills, while 56% cite immature technology as a barrier. Unclear use case timelines affect 46% of organizations, and 41% find hardware costs to be expensive. Despite these hurdles, those expecting to be ready by 2027 anticipate a 53% higher ROI by 2030 compared to their peers, highlighting the potential rewards of overcoming these obstacles.
The Quantum Readiness Index (QRI) assesses organizational preparedness, scoring on strategy, technology, and operations. The average global QRI score rose to 28 in 2025, up six points from 2023, though overall readiness remains low. Top-performing organizations—designated as quantum-ready—achieve scores of 35 or higher, with a maximum of 47, demonstrating robust operational models and emerging capabilities. Operational maturity currently drives readiness, but strategy and technology will become more important as adoption increases. Investment in quantum computing is growing, currently capturing 11% of R&D budgets, up from 7% in 2023. However, commitment varies significantly across sectors. Quantum-ready organizations are motivated by accelerating innovation (83%) and solving intractable business problems (83%), with 88% focused on future-proofing their computing strategy. Positioning quantum as complementary to AI can unlock 33% higher investment levels and create exponential value. Quantum advantage won’t arrive as a single “aha” moment. It’ll come in waves, rippling across different industries and use cases, moving the technology forward until it achieves real business value. Source: https://www.ibm.com/thought-leadership/institute-business-value/en-us/report/2025-quantum-computing-readiness Tags: