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The Second Quantum Revolution facilitates the engineering of new classes of sensors, communication technologies, and computers with unprecedented capabilities. Supply chains for quantum technologies are emerging, some focused on commercially available components for enabling technologies and/or quantum-technologies research infrastructures, others with already higher technology-readiness levels, near to the market.In 2018, the European Commission has launched its large-scale and long-term Quantum Flagship research initiative to support and foster the creation and development of a competitive European quantum technologies industry, as well as the consolidation and expansion of leadership and excellence in European quantum technology research. One of the measures to achieve an accelerated development and uptake has been identified by the Quantum Flagship in its Strategic Research Agenda: The promotion of coordinated, dedicated standardisation and certification efforts.Standardisation is indeed of paramount importance to facilitate the growth of new technologies, and the development of efficient and effective supply chains. The harmonisation of technologies, methodologies, and interfaces enables interoperable products, innovation, and competition, all leading to structuring and hence growth of markets. As quantum technologies mature, the time has come to start thinking about further standardisation needs.This article presents insights on standardisation for quantum technologies from the perspective of the CEN-CENELEC Focus Group on Quantum Technologies (FGQT), which was established in June 2020 to coordinate and support the development of standards relevant for European industry and research.

The Joint Research Centre in collaboration with the European standardization bodies CEN and CENELEC launched a scoping exercise on standardization needs in response to COVID-19 and future pandemics. The purpose of the exercise was to identify ongoing harmonization initiatives, as was well as further standardization needs in relevant sectors such as artisanal reusable face masks, medical face masks, and social distancing in closed public or commercial spaces. An overview of already ongoing standardization activities relevant to COVID-19 in Spain and Italy illustrate, although fragmented and partially complete, the importance of standardization in key sectors for combatting pandemics, such as in health, social, safety and security. This report informs colleagues in European institutions and Member States about the crucial role standardization plays in the common efforts to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. Examples include potential inputs to the drafting of guidelines, methods and or interoperability standards. Finally, the report also provides practical examples of agile standardization activities and deliverables that have the potential to enable the EU to respond more effectively and multilaterally to future crises. With this report we aim to raise awareness about the opportunities that standardization and harmonization can bring in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.