Quantum computing and its implications for Asian innovation ecosystems

Where quantum computing is emerging as a catalyst for innovation, this paper investigates its influence on R&D efficiency and innovation outcomes across 4,500 firms in six key sectors–pharmaceuticals, finance, materials science, energy, telecommunications, and logistics–in Asia between 2015 and 2024. The study employs advanced models, including Agent-Based Modeling (ABM), Bayesian Networks, Support Vector Machines (SVM), and Markov Chains, to analyse the relationship between quantum computing investments and innovation performance. The results indicate that high-R&D sectors, such as pharmaceuticals and finance, benefit most from quantum computing due to its role in accelerating drug discovery and optimising risk management. In contrast, low-R&D sectors like telecommunications and logistics face slower adoption due to infrastructure challenges and limited resources. Government support, particularly through subsidies and tax incentives, enhances the impact of quantum computing investments on innovation outcomes, especially in high-R&D industries. This study addresses key gaps by providing empirical evidence of quantum computing’s role in driving sectoral innovation and offering actionable insights for policymakers and industry leaders.