  The expected societal impact of quantum technologies (QT) urges us to proceed
and innovate responsibly. This article proposes a conceptual framework for
Responsible QT that seeks to integrate considerations about ethical, legal,
social, and policy implications (ELSPI) into quantum R&D, while responding to
the Responsible Research and Innovation dimensions of anticipation, inclusion,
reflection and responsiveness. After examining what makes QT unique, we argue
that quantum innovation should be guided by a methodological framework for
Responsible QT, aimed at jointly safeguarding against risks by proactively
addressing them, engaging stakeholders in the innovation process, and continue
advancing QT (SEA). We further suggest operationalizing the SEA-framework by
establishing quantum-specific guiding principles. The impact of quantum
computing on information security is used as a case study to illustrate (1) the
need for a framework that guides Responsible QT, and (2) the usefulness of the
SEA-framework for QT generally. Additionally, we examine how our proposed
SEA-framework for responsible innovation can inform the emergent regulatory
landscape affecting QT, and provide an outlook of how regulatory interventions
for QT as base-layer technology could be designed, contextualized, and tailored
to their exceptional nature in order to reduce the risk of unintended
counterproductive effects of policy interventions. Laying the groundwork for a
responsible quantum ecosystem, the research community and other stakeholders
are called upon to further develop the recommended guiding principles, and
discuss their operationalization into best practices and real-world
applications. Our proposed framework should be considered a starting point for
these much needed, highly interdisciplinary efforts.
