CRA Urges Federal Support for Academic AI Research, NAIRR, and Energy-Efficient AI Development 

March 21, 2025 -- In early February, the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) National Coordination Office (NCO) published a Request for Information (RFI) on the Development of an Artificial Intelligence Action Plan.

This RFI, released on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, sought to inform the “priority policy actions needed to sustain and enhance America’s AI dominance.”

An incredible 8,755 responses were submitted to this RFI, including many from large industry companies, such as OpenAI, Google, and Anthopic, as well as many start-ups and “middle tech” companies. The Computing Research Association (CRA) also organized a response, informed by many council members from CCC and CRA-Industry. Below are highlights of some of the key recommendations from the response:

• Fund Precompetitive Research in Academia: CRA stressed the importance of basic AI research conducted in academia, which explores foundational and theoretical innovations that can redefine the entire AI landscape. Funding for this type of exploratory research is crucial, as it allows researchers to tackle questions that may not deliver near term profits, but could yield groundbreaking results over a longer timeframe. Because it is impossible to predict the next AI breakthrough, it is vital that the US nurtures a diverse portfolio of basic AI research.
• Establish Robust Evaluation Frameworks: CRA advocated for the creation of comprehensive evaluation frameworks that include tiered testing environments where AI models can be rigorously assessed before deployment. This approach would help mitigate potential risks and ensure AI systems meet safety, regulatory, and ethical standards. By providing a controlled environment for testing and iterative improvement, the federal government can help ensure AI technologies are deployed responsibly and effectively.
• Fully Fund NAIRR and FASST: The National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) and Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence for Science, Security, and Technology (FASST) initiatives are complementary programs seeking to ensure American dominance in AI, and both are widely supported in Congress. These programs, which provide AI resources widely to American researchers (NAIRR) and support deep-research efforts, specifically in scientific and national security challenges relevant to the Department of Energy (FASST) should be fully funded immediately.
• Prioritize Computing Efficiency Research: The energy consumption of data centers has surged recently, with predictions that these demands could double or triple again in the next 3 years, and building new infrastructure is time consuming and does not solve the root of the problem: the energy demands of AI models. CRA recommended that the federal government pursue a multi-agency effort to fund fundamental computing research and establish public-private partnerships to research efforts to address energy efficiency at every step of the AI lifecycle.
• Ensure Human-Centered AI: CRA emphasized the importance of developing AI that is trustworthy, transparent, and aligned with human values. Especially in sectors where AI could make life-altering or threatening decisions, such as in healthcare or law, we underscored the need for research that ensures AI systems are not only technically proficient but also ethically responsible.
• Invest in Education and Workforce Development: As AI continues to shape the future of work, CRA stressed the need for initiatives that help workers acquire new skills and prepare for AI-related jobs. Additionally, CRA advocated for programs that foster stronger academic-industry partnerships, ensuring the next generation of AI researchers is well-equipped to tackle the challenges ahead. By expanding opportunities for undergraduate research and mentorship, the U.S. can strengthen its pipeline of AI talent and ensure the workforce is ready for an AI-integrated economy.

The CRA welcomed this opportunity to provide recommendations for a national AI Action Plan, and CRA looks forward to the development of a plan that will benefit all Americans and foster American innovation. Read the CRA’s full response to the AI Action Plan RFI here.

Source: CRA