The development of quantum technologies has gained significant momentum over the past decade, but several researchers and industry players have suggested that the field may be entering a slowdown due to the tension between hype and technological realities. The concept of “quantum winter” is not a formal scientific term, but an analytical framework that is based on cyclical patterns of technological development, such as AI winters. This paper presents the Quantum Winter Index (QWI v1.0), which offers a three-dimensional and six-indicator assessment model to examine potential signs of slowdown in the quantum technology ecosystem. The model integrates economic, technological, scientific, and application indicators and is based on reproducible, documented trends. The QWI does not predict whether a “quantum winter” will occur, but rather provides a tool to help identify critical points and show which areas are showing a strengthening, stagnating, or slowing trend. Based on the initial results, scientific activity remains stable, while several technological and economic indicators indicate a slowing pace. QWI contributes to the development of an objective, structured assessment framework that supports the systematic monitoring of future quantum technology trends.
Prof. Dr. Zoltán Rajnai Prof. Dr. Zoltán Rajnai is General Vice-Rector and Full Professor at Óbuda University, Hungary. He serves as the principal deputy to the Rector and oversees university development planning and institutional strategy. He is also Deputy Head of the Doctoral School on Safety and Security Sciences. He received his PhD in Military Science in 2001 and his habilitation in 2006 from Zrínyi Miklós National Defence University. His research interests include secure communications networks, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, and information security
Generative AI systems have rapidly evolved in capability since their release to the general public in 2022, and have
been demonstrated capable of producing acceptable solutions to most tasks expected during undergraduate
programs in Engineering and many other fields. Education systems initially considered this as a threat, since the
ability to produce solutions to complex tasks using AI systems undermined assessment approaches in many areas of
education.
However, it is becoming increasingly clear that generative AI tools will be a part of the normal working life of most
Engineers in the future, and indeed generative AI is already in widespread use in many industries. Universities need
to ensure that their graduates are relevant and AI capable in their domains of expertise when they graduate. How
can Universities achieve this goal, while avoiding the potential for AI systems to undermine cognitive development
through extreme levels of cognitive delegation by users.
In this talk I will present some perspectives on this challenge and some potential solutions based on the integration of
cognitive engagement frameworks into learning environments, and the alignment of the emerging need for
generative AI skills in graduates.
Professor Arnold Pears Prof. Arnold Pears, BSc(Hons) 1986, PhD 1994, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia, is Professor and Head of the Department of Learning in Engineering Sciences, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden, Professor of Computer Science Education at Uppsala University (2017-2023). President IEEE Education Society 2025-2026. A highly experienced academic with tertiary education and leadership experience in Australia, France and Sweden. Dr. Pears academic leadership includes two terms in the Uppsala University Academic Senate, Program director for IT Engineering, and 15 years on the pedagogical advisory council of the Faculty of Technology and Natural Sciences. Currently he serves on advisory boards for AI and Education for Clarivate Analytics and the Portuguese Government as well as coordinating KTH's participation in 3 Swedish Research Council funded graduate schools, and leading research projects funded by the Swedish government, EU and NordPlus. Publications include 6 book chapters, 40 journal articles and more than 150 refereed conference papers. Citations: 4175, H-index: 31, Google Scholar April 20, 2026
At a time when a new round of AI-enabled learning, research, management, and so forth education pattern revolution is reshaping global talent development, it is of significance to stress on the topics of proper AI adoption and AI skills fostering in education. In this presentation, Huawei is going to share the global trends of digital transformation in education, and their scenario-based solutions for classroom, school campus, and scientific research, which are empowered by AI and cutting-edge technologies. For the topic of ‘Education for AI’, the ICT Academy program in cooperation with universities for improving students’ AI digital skills will also be introduced. Moreover, besides technical solutions and best-practice sharing, Huawei is also committed to enhance the dialogue and international cooperation for universities between Europe and China. The ‘European Education China Tour’ organized by Huawei and supported by China’s universities welcomes all universities from Europe to join.
Yu Huang is the Education Sector Lead in Huawei Europe Enterprise, with rich experience in ICT talent cultivation and digital education transformation. He leads Huawei's education initiatives across Europe, working closely with universities and educational institutions to bridge the gap between industry needs and academic training. His expertise spans AI-enabled learning solutions, smart campus technologies, and international university-industry cooperation programs.