RQAI-SE: Multi-Layered Ethical and Accountable Quantum AI Engineering

Introduction/Importance of Study: The application of quantum Artificial Intelligence (QAI) that combines artificial intelligence and quantum computing allows simulation, optimization, and decision-making capabilities never seen before, but introduces ethical and governance issues that are beyond conventional software engineering paradigms.Novelty statement: In this paper, we introduce the Responsible Quantum-AI Software Engineering (RQAI-SE) framework, a systematic integration of quantum-specific mechanisms for ethics, accountability, fairness, and transparency into the QAI software lifecycle.The framework comprises five hierarchically structured engineering layers, addresses four categories of quantum-specific ethical risks (algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, access inequality, andregulatory gaps), and explicitly maps its components to nine governance pillars established by the World Economic Forum (WEF) —structural contributions that distinguish RQAI-SE from existing QSE frameworks that treat ethics as secondary or post-development concerns.Material and Method: The study employs a conceptual design methodology grounded in a systematic review of 40 high-quality sources spanning quantum software engineering, AI ethics, and governance (2021–2025). The framework is validated through comparative analysis with existing QSE frameworks Table 1 and criterion-referenced mapping to the WEF nine governance pillars Table 3.Result and Discussion: The suggested RQAI-SE framework shows how quantum-AI systems can be designed to be both computationally efficientand responsible toward societyusing human-understandable quantum design, the ethical development cycle of the process, and governance models that are multidisciplinary. In contrast to the more performance-focused QSE strategies, the RQAI-SE directly deals with quantum-specific ethical risks, including but not limited to opacity, amplifying bias of probabilistic guarantees, and governance loopholes, and allows creating trustworthy, inclusive, and accountable. The model also offers a guided basis to align the emerging QAI technologies to the long-term societal values,as well as facilitating scalable and sustainable quantum software development.Concluding Remarks: RQAI-SE provides an effective and prospective basis of responsible QAI development, under which innovations in quantum intelligence are always within the ethical, social, and governance requirements. The framework identifies five priority areas for future research,including empirical case study validation and international certification standards.