We provide an overview of variational quantum algorithms (VQAs) from the perspective of quantum optimal control (QOC). We integrate both fields in a common framework that enables identification of several QOC-inspired avenues for improving VQA performance on near-term quantum hardware.
VQAs present some of the most promising applications of near-term quantum computing hardware. By connecting VQAs with the mature field of QOC, we identify several interesting research directions that could provide fertile ground for future work.