CRA Quadrennial Papers

Every four years, the Computing Research Association (CRA), through its subcommittees, releases a series of white papers known as the Quadrennial Papers. These papers delve into key areas and issues within computing research that have the potential to address national priorities. They aim to present a comprehensive overview of the computing research field, outlining prospective research directions, identifying challenges, and offering recommendations for policymakers and the broader computing research community.

More coming soon: The January 2025 release features six papers, each addressing critical topics with profound societal, economic, and technological implications. This is the first of multiple tranches, with additional papers set to follow in the coming weeks and months. Stay tuned for more insights and recommendations from the computing research community.

CRA Quadrennial Paper Archive

2020

2024-2025 CRA Quadrennial Papers

  • Reclaiming the Future: American Information Technology Leadership in an Era of Global Competition

    Authors: Alex Aiken (Stanford University), David Jensen (University of Massachusetts Amherst), Catherine Gill (CRA), William Gropp (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), Peter Harsha (CRA), Brian Mosley (CRA), Daniel Reed (University of Utah), William Regli (University of Maryland, College Park)

    The United States risks losing its global leadership in information technology research due to declining basic research funding, challenges in attracting talent, and tensions between research security and openness.

  • Imperative for Educating the Next Generation Robotics Technology Workforce

    Authors: Holly Yanco (University of Massachusetts Lowell), Odest Chadwicke Jenkins (University of Michigan), Weisong Shi (University of Delaware), William Regli (University of Maryland), and Monica Anderson Herzog (University of Alabama)

    The United States must urgently develop comprehensive educational and career training pathways in robotics across all levels — from K-12 through professional development — to build a skilled workforce capable of leading technological innovation and maintaining the nation’s competitive edge in robotics and automation.

  • Lessons for Cybersecurity from the American Public Health System

    Authors: Adam Shostack (University of Washington), L. Jean Camp (Indiana University), Yi Ting Chua (University of Tulsa), Josiah Dykstra (Trail of Bits), Brian LaMacchia (FARCASTER Consulting Group), Daniel Lopresti (Lehigh University)

    The United States needs national institutions and frameworks to systematically collect cybersecurity data, measure outcomes, and coordinate responses across government and private sectors, similar to how public health systems track and address disease outbreaks.

  • The Post-Quantum Cryptography Transition: Making Progress, But Still a Long Road Ahead

    Authors: Brian LaMacchia (Farcaster Consulting Group), Matt Campagna (Amazon Web Services), William Gropp (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)

    The development of quantum computing threatens the security of our currently widely deployed cryptographic algorithms. While significant progress has been made in developing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards to protect against future quantum computing threats, the U.S. government’s estimated $7.1 billion transition cost for non-National Security Systems alone, coupled with an aggressive 2035 deadline, will require sustained funding, research, and international coordination to successfully upgrade existing cryptographic systems.

  • Prioritizing Computing Research to Empower and Protect Vulnerable Populations

    Authors: Pamela Wisniewski (Vanderbilt University), Katie Siek (Indiana University Bloomington), Kevin Butler (University of Florida), Gabrielle Allen (University of Wyoming), Weisong Shi (University of Delaware), Manish Parashar (University of Utah)

    Technology can pose significant risks to a wide array of vulnerable populations. However, by addressing the challenges and opportunities in technology design, research, and deployment, we can create systems that benefit everyone, fostering a society where even the most vulnerable are empowered and supported.

  • Setting a Course for Post-Moore Software Performance

    Authors: William Gropp (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), Randal Burns (Johns Hopkins University), Brian LaMacchia (Farcaster Consulting Group), Charles E. Leiserson (MIT), and Michela Taufer (University of Tennessee, Knoxville)

    With Moore’s Law having ended, the U.S. must pivot from relying on hardware improvements to investing heavily in software performance engineering (SPE) through research, education, and workforce development to maintain its technological edge, especially since few software engineers currently possess these critical skills.