Google’s quantum leap highlights troubling knowledge gulf
Google’s latest achievement in quantum computing has not only sent ripples through the scientific community, it has also drawn attention to the growing technological disparities among nations. The US tech giant recently said that its quantum computer, based on a computer chip called Willow, needed less than five minutes to perform a mathematical calculation that one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers could not complete in 10 septillion years, a length of time that exceeds the age of the known universe.
In July 2023, Google announced that another quantum processor performed a computation in 200 seconds that would have taken the world’s fastest classical supercomputer an estimated 47 years. While the calculations themselves may have limited practical utility at present, their broader implications are limitless, conjuring up a future where quantum systems can tackle previously unsolvable problems — from improving supply chains to enabling drug discoveries.
Google’s breakthroughs highlight yet again the accelerating pace of innovation in advanced technologies. In addition to quantum computing, the world is witnessing rapid progress in fields such as artificial intelligence, nuclear fusion, robotics and gene editing. OpenAI’s ChatGPT, for instance, has demonstrated the transformative potential of generative AI for industries ranging from education to healthcare. Similarly, advances in nuclear fusion promise an inexhaustible clean energy source, although commercialization remains decades away.
These breakthroughs signal the dawn of a new technological era, in which progress in science and engineering are reshaping the very fabric of society. At the same time, they highlight a worrying global divide. Regions like the Middle East and North Africa, which lag in science and technology investment, face mounting risks of marginalization and even pauperization. In today’s knowledge-driven economy, technological strength is not just an indicator of progress but a prerequisite for economic and geopolitical relevance. Unless they can make significant investments in research, education and talent retention, such regions risk being left behind in this transformative age.
Economic competitiveness is one of the most pressing challenges. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is powered by industries such as AI, quantum computing and biotechnology. Countries that cannot embrace and integrate these technologies will certainly fall behind in productivity and global trade. For instance, while AI systems are optimizing everything from agriculture to manufacturing in advanced economies, nations lacking the requisite infrastructure cannot enjoy these benefits. This glaring disparity creates a vicious cycle: lower productivity leads to weaker economic growth, which in turn limits the resources available for innovation.
Another consequence is the deepening digital divide. Access to leading-edge technology is increasingly seen as a determinant of social and economic opportunities. In water-scarce regions like MENA, innovations in quantum-driven optimization or AI-enhanced irrigation could transform agriculture. Similarly, AI applications in telemedicine and diagnostics could address healthcare disparities. But without investments in digital infrastructure, these technologies remain out of reach for many. This lack of access not only deepens existing inequalities but also limits the possibility of innovation that could address unique regional challenges.
Technological strength is not just an indicator of progress but a prerequisite for economic and geopolitical relevance.
Arnab Neil Sengupta
The MENA region’s persistent brain drain further compounds these problems. Talented scientists and engineers often migrate from crisis-plagued or impoverished countries to tech hubs in Europe, North America or Asia, where research opportunities and funding are more abundant. This outflow of talent weakens the region’s ability to build domestic innovation ecosystems and increases its already considerable dependence on external technologies. In contrast, nations that consistently prioritize STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education and research funding — such as South Korea and Singapore — show how investments in such fields can transform a country into a global technology leader.
Cybersecurity is another area of concern. Quantum computing’s potential to break classical encryption systems poses a threat to nations with limited technological capabilities. Without strong cryptographic infrastructure, such countries may struggle to safeguard sensitive data, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks and espionage. As quantum computing becomes more advanced, the disparity between nations with strong cyber defenses and those without will likely grow, creating new opportunities for exploitation and geopolitical tensions.
Beyond the digital realm, emerging technologies are opening new frontiers in energy and space exploration. From microgravity manufacturing to asteroid mining, advanced nations and companies are positioning themselves to dominate industries that could redefine global economies. MENA countries, which have historically relied on resource-based economies, face the risk of being sidelined in these emerging sectors. To be sure, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are investing in space exploration and renewable energy, but such efforts remain the exception rather than the norm across the vast Arab region.
Addressing this widening knowledge gulf requires urgent and coordinated action. Investment in education is paramount. Governments across the MENA region must put a premium on STEM education at all levels, coupled with scholarships and partnerships that expose students to cutting-edge research. Public-private collaborations are also essential.
Regional tech companies can play a vital role in fostering innovation, creating startups and developing research hubs that drive economic growth. Additionally, Middle East countries should rely on localized solutions to address their unique challenges. For instance, investments in AI-driven desalination technologies could address water scarcity, while renewable energy initiatives could reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
To be sure, the importance of international cooperation cannot be overstated. The knowledge divide is not just a regional concern but a global challenge. Multilateral as well as multinational organizations can facilitate technology transfers and partnerships to reduce disparities. For instance, collaborative research initiatives and exchange programs can help bridge the gap, ensuring that the benefits of technological progress are shared more equitably.
Google’s latest quantum computing breakthrough is a wake-up call for the MENA region. It highlights not just the potential benefits of advanced technologies but also the risks of uneven development. As the world races toward a bright future defined by quantum systems, AI and other innovations, the stakes have never been higher. Narrowing the global knowledge gulf is not just a matter of fairness, it is also essential for ensuring a more prosperous and geopolitically stable world.
• Arnab Neil Sengupta is a senior editor at Arab News. X: @arnabnsg
Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News’ point of view