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RAND was at the forefront of early computing and data science. In the 1950s, we built computers to improve researchers' analytic and modeling capabilities. We also developed data communications technologies that were forerunners of the internet. Today, RAND experts recommend policies and best practices to support safe and secure technological innovation and adoption.

Commentary
Software Supply Chain Risk Is Growing, but Mitigation Solutions Exist
Software supply chain security has emerged as a leading risk because of the massively fragmented and decentralized nature of modern software development. While we still have much to learn as a community about this risk, there are concrete steps we can take to better understand and mitigate it.
Jan 26, 2023
Report
Regulating the Use of Facial Recognition by Law Enforcement
Facial recognition technology is developing rapidly and is increasingly being used in policing. What do policymakers need to understand in order to minimize the risks it poses, while also maximizing its benefits?
Feb 15, 2023

Topics in Focus:

Explore Cyber and Data Sciences

Report
Behavioral Health Care Following the Onset of the Pandemic
In what ways did the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic change how behavioral health care was delivered to service members with PTSD, depression, or substance use disorder?
Mar 20, 2023
Report
Russia's Asymmetric Response to 21st Century Strategic Competition: Robotization of the Armed Forces
The authors explore Russian views on the military applications of robotics and artificial intelligence and how they differ from the United States' views on the matter. They assess whether Moscow has delivered -- or can deliver -- its robotization vision.
Mar 13, 2023
Blog
U.S. Cooperation with China and Russia, Artificial Intelligence, War in Ukraine: RAND Weekly Recap
This weekly recap focuses on U.S. security cooperation with China and Russia, artificial intelligence, consequences of Russia's war in Ukraine, and more.
Mar 10, 2023
Testimony
Challenges to U.S. National Security and Competitiveness Posed by Artificial Intelligence
Among a broad set of technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) stands out for both its rate of progress and its scope of applications. How does AI affect national security and U.S. competitiveness? And what actions could national security organizations take in response?
Mar 8, 2023
Report
Understanding, Managing, and Reporting U.S. Space Force Readiness
As a branch of the U.S. military, the U.S. Space Force (USSF) must understand, manage, and report its readiness. The authors of this report have created a readiness framework for the USSF and instructions on how to implement it.
Mar 7, 2023
Journal Article
If I Knew Then What I Know Now... A Short Guide to Introducing New Technology in Adult Social Care
This booklet is for decision makers considering using technology in social care.
Mar 7, 2023
Journal Article
Low Tech, High Potential: Using Technology to Improve Communication Across Home Care Workers
Our findings suggest that a basic workflow process—communication among HCWs—is limited in many home care settings. Simple technologies could be developed to support HCWs to navigate the challenges of providing care to clients in their homes.
Mar 7, 2023
Blog
A Look Back at the War in Afghanistan, National Secuirty Risks, Hospice Care: RAND Weekly Recap
This weekly recap focuses on why the United States “stayed the unfavorable course” in Afghanistan, the Ohio train derailment, state data on gun deaths, and more.
Mar 3, 2023
Commentary
The Ukrainian Army Is Leveraging Online Influencers. Can the U.S. Military?
Much has been said about Ukraine's astounding success in the information battlefield. How might the U.S. military emulate Ukraine's success to not only help win wars, but also to address its flagging campaign to recruit new members?
Mar 1, 2023
Multimedia
Devices and Data: The Information We Share
RAND mathematician Mary Lee describes the wide variety of personal data collected by smart devices and applications, such as smartwatches, brain implants, and period trackers.
Feb 28, 2023
Blog
RAND President and CEO Presenting to House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
RAND President and CEO Jason Matheny appeared on February 28, 2023, before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. His remarks covered advances in synthetic biology and artificial intelligence and their potential impact on national security.
Feb 28, 2023
Commentary
Consequences of the War in Ukraine: Escalation
If Russian forces remain unable to defeat Ukraine, and Putin remains unwilling to back down, what escalation options does Russia have left?
Feb 27, 2023
Report
Countering Domestic Racially and Ethnically Motivated Violent Terrorism on Social Media: Introducing the Racist and Violent Extremist Flock Tool
Researchers developed the Racist and Violent Extremist Flock (RVE-Flock) tool to explore and analyze textual content on racially and ethnically motivated violent extremist–affiliated social media. This guide explains the tool's functionality.
Feb 23, 2023
Announcement
Ray Block Joins RAND as Inaugural Michael D. Rich Chair for Countering Truth Decay
Ray Block, a respected academic in the field of political science and African American studies, will join the RAND Corporation as its inaugural Michael D. Rich Chair for Countering Truth Decay effective February 27.
Feb 22, 2023
Report
The U.S. Air Force Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Values on Social Media: A Proof-of-Concept Examination of How Air Force–Affiliated Accounts Represent the Service Online
This report presents a proof-of-concept to assess the online behavior of U.S. Air Force (USAF)-affiliated users over social media, specifically in regard to USAF diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
Feb 22, 2023
Report
Promoting Strong International Collaboration in Quantum Technology Research and Development
The author discusses (1) the strategic importance of (and challenges of) strong research collaboration with U.S. allied and partner nations and (2) five key policy areas in this space. He also proposes a desired end state for this cooperation.
Feb 22, 2023
Journal Article
Many Clinicians Implement Digital Equity Strategies To Treat Opioid Use Disorder
Clinicians who treated patients with opioid use disorder reported less use of telemedicine in 2022 than in 2020. More than three-quarters of survey respondents used digital equity strategies to help patients overcome barriers to video visits.
Feb 22, 2023
Journal Article
Exploring Chinese Thinking on Deterrence in the Not-So-New Space and Cyber Domains
This conference volume chapter explores evolving Chinese thinking on space and cyber deterrence. Besides nuclear deterrence, the space and cyber domains are viewed by China as its main means of strategic deterrence.
Feb 21, 2023
Commentary
RAND Experts on Veteran Mental Health Respond to the White House Mental Health Research Priorities
The White House identified eight research priorities to better manage America's current mental health crisis. RAND researchers highlight why each area is critical for veteran mental health and how RAND is contributing to address them.
Feb 20, 2023
Report
Assessing the Prospects for Great Power Cooperation in the Global Commons
This report, part of a four-part series, describes the potential for U.S. cooperation with China or Russia on global commons issues, including freedom of access to space, countering violent extremist organizations, and promoting global stability.
Feb 20, 2023

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RAND Topic:
Cyber and Data Sciences

Topic Synonyms:
Computer and Information Science and Technology;
Computer Science;
Computer Technology;
Computing;
Informatics;
Information Science;
Information Technology;
IS;
IST;
IT

Research conducted by

Researcher Spotlight

Michelle Priest

Assistant Policy Researcher, RAND

Michelle Priest is an assistant policy researcher at RAND and a Ph.D. candidate at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. She has a B.A. in economics and a B.A. in linguistics from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her research interests include emerging industries, especially the ethics and…
Keytin Palmer

Ph.D. Student, Pardee RAND Graduate School, and Assistant Policy Researcher, RAND

Keytin Palmer (he/they) is an assistant policy researcher at RAND and a Ph.D. student in the Technology Applications and Implications stream at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. He has an M.Sc. in political psychology from Queen’s University Belfast and a B.A. in psychology from New College of…

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