AMPLIFY  VOL. 38, NO. 3
  

The rapid acceleration of quantum computing capabilities heralds a transformation in how computation is conceptualized, constructed, and governed. As quantum devices evolve from experimental setups into enterprise-relevant platforms, an urgent and profound need arises: to engineer, manage, and govern quantum software systems in ways that ensure their robustness, scalability, and long-term value. This issue of Amplify presents a curated collection of visionary yet grounded contributions that illuminate the most pressing challenges and innovative solutions shaping the future of quantum software engineering (QSE).

A clear conviction lies at the heart of this issue: quantum software is not an extension of classical software. Rather, it represents a paradigm shift demanding novel engineering, management, and governance models. These articles explore foundational issues, including the identification of suitable patterns and architectural principles for quantum application development; management of hybrid systems integrating classical and quantum components; establishment of governance structures that promote secure, sustainable, and cost-effective use of quantum resources; and the implications of quantum-AI convergence in the evolution of enterprise information systems.

In This Issue

The issue opens with an authoritative contribution by Giuseppe Bisicchia, José Garcia-Alonso, Juan Murillo, and Antonio Brogi. They lay the historical and theoretical groundwork for understanding QSE as a discipline, tracing its origins to Richard Feynman’s call for quantum simulation and following the evolution of quantum algorithms from Peter Shor’s and Lov Grover’s breakthroughs to today’s hybrid implementations. The article argues that QSE must strike a balance between importing proven classical software engineering practices and cultivating quantum-specific innovations. Emphasis is placed on the Talavera Manifesto as a foundational document guiding the values and methodologies of the field.¹ The authors forecast a near future in which hybrid pipelines, domain-specific quantum languages, and automated toolchains are vital for quantum-classical integration. Through an insightful synthesis of theory, tools, and prospective architectures, they establish a comprehensive framework for this Amplify issue.

Next, Michael Baczyk delves into the pressing need for architectural rigor in quantum software development. As enterprise adoption looms, Baczyk proposes a three-layer taxonomy of patterns (design, algorithmic, and architectural) intended to address the complexity of hybrid quantum-classical systems. He highlights architectural constructs like the quantum resource pool pattern, the hybrid microservices pattern, and the asynchronous pipeline pattern, which mirror and extend proven paradigms from cloud and high-performance computing into the quantum domain. His article connects these technical insights with strategic imperatives, urging practitioners and managers to embrace pattern-driven design and prepare for standardized frameworks capable of supporting quantum algorithm deployment, especially in domains like chemistry, logistics, and financial modeling. Baczyk offers both a conceptual roadmap and a pragmatic toolkit for organizations seeking to build scalable, maintainable quantum systems.

Our third piece, by Guido Peterssen and José Luis Hevia, focuses on the operational and organizational dimensions of quantum computing. They provide a compelling call to action: without robust governance, quantum computing projects will likely spiral into unmanageable complexity. Through a detailed case study of Bizkaia Quantum Advanced Industries (BIQAIN), the authors introduce the concept of the private quantum hub as a model for resource coordination, lifecycle management, and cost control across distributed quantum infrastructures. Central to their argument is the necessity of centralized governance platforms that integrate service provisioning, management oversight, and governance mechanisms, all tailored to support complex, multiuser quantum environments. The authors argue that such systems are indispensable for transforming quantum computing from isolated experiments into production-grade, value-generating ecosystems. By offering technical, managerial, and business insights, Peterssen and Hevia explain how governance can become a catalyst for sustainable innovation in quantum computing.

Closing out the issue, Joseph Byrum examines the transformative intersection of quantum computing and AI, contending that the convergence is not merely technological. He explores five innovation vectors — from quantum-enhanced attention mechanisms and quantum compression techniques to AI-augmented quantum circuit design — demonstrating how each could dramatically reshape computation, knowledge processing, and enterprise workflows. Beyond technical sophistication, the article proposes a human-centric philosophy of computation that emphasizes integration, uncertainty as a resource, and ethical design. By advocating for hybrid architectures, sustainable infrastructures, and inclusive governance frameworks, Byrum elevates the discussion to the strategic level, suggesting that the institutions that thrive in the quantum-AI era will be those that embed quantum thinking into their operational DNA.

Key Themes

These insights offer a multifaceted perspective on the emerging domain of QSE. They range from foundational theory to architectural practice, from operational governance to strategic foresight. The diversity of approaches mirrors the multiplicity of challenges and opportunities that quantum software presents to industry, academia, and society at large. Several themes emerge:

• Hybridization is key. Each article recognizes the centrality of hybrid quantum-classical systems in current and near-term quantum applications. Whether from an engineering, architectural, or governance perspective, the ability to seamlessly integrate classical and quantum components is paramount.

• From tools to ecosystems. The transition from individual quantum programs to large-scale quantum ecosystems requires more than programming tools. It demands comprehensive infrastructure (governance models, profiling, cost-control mechanisms, and management dashboards) that can support distributed development and usage.

• Engineering as a strategic lever. QSE is not a technical afterthought but a strategic enabler. These articles underscore that robust engineering practices (patterns, testing, verification, and lifecycle models) will determine the real-world viability and scalability of quantum applications.

• Ethics, sustainability, and human values. This issue emphasizes the ethical and philosophical dimensions of quantum computing. Sustainability in training and inference, security of quantum services, and the role of humans in the quantum-AI loop are treated not as peripheral concerns but as design imperatives.

• Toward standards and community. Across this issue, there is a clear call for shared principles, reference taxonomies, and governance frameworks. Establishing a cohesive, interoperable, and mature quantum software ecosystem will depend on sustained collaboration across disciplinary boundaries, industry sectors, and international contexts.

This issue of Amplify makes a timely and substantial contribution to the discourse on quantum software. We hope it serves as a catalyst for deeper research, more ambitious collaborations, and responsible innovation in quantum software development, management, and governance.

Reference

¹ Piattini, Mario, et al. “The Talavera Manifesto for Quantum Software Engineering and Programming.” CEUR Workshop Proceedings, Vol. 2561, CEUR-WS.org Team, 2020.