This article has been generating quite a bit of discussion recently (also posted here 721468). An interesting point in relation to Bitcoin is what happens when a quantum computer catches up to the SHA256 algorithm? On a long enough time frame we can count on it being inevitable.
I'm confident that with all the talented people working in the Bitcoin space we'll be able to raise the bar and keep the network secure for everyone able to upgrade their keys. However the real question to ask is what happens to all the lost coins? Especially Satoshis!
Do we let it be and let nature play out with the first quantum computer able to crack SHA256 capture all these coins through brute force? It would likely be a large tech company or country that ends up with 20-30% of all Bitcoin if this were to happen. A huge change in a short amount of time.
The other option is that we hard fork before this happens? Something along the lines of if the UTXO hasn't moved in 15-20 years it becomes unspendable. This is perhaps a crude solution and I'd be interested to hear other ideas. However it seems that a hard fork option would essentially be the only option.
The next hard fork MUST have a plan for this scenario. Hopefully it will be one that's been debated, is well thought out and tested.