Advancing Government Innovation: Selected High-Priority Research Initiatives

From the latest proposal round, a select group of submissions has advanced, reflecting strong alignment with federal priorities in artificial intelligence, governance, data, and cross-sector collaboration.

These proposals stand out for their potential to deliver scalable frameworks, improve operational effectiveness, and strengthen public trust. Summaries of these high-priority projects follow.

Can the Age of AI Foster Broader Policymaker–Citizen Dialogue? by Susan Aaronson and Michael Moreno, George Washington University

As artificial intelligence shapes public sector activity, this paper will explore how governments can modernize public consultation processes. Analyzing US AI consultations and international practices, the research will identify ways to expand participation and address the complexity and opacity of AI systems. The resulting recommendations aim to strengthen public engagement and improve the process of policymaking in the digital age.

When Government Data Goes Private: Managing Gov-Tech Agreements by Burcu Baykurt, University of Massachusetts Amherst

This study will address the growing reliance by governments on private-sector technology providers for managing data. By analyzing contracts and interviewing public managers, the research will provide practical guidance for structuring data agreements. Deliverables will include checklists, governance frameworks, and diagnostic tools to help agencies retain control over their data while leveraging external capabilities.

Digital Twins for Smarter Government: Integrating Data and Evidence into Government Decision-Making by Tzuhao Chen and Sukumar Ganapati, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Florida International University

Using data to inform decision-making has been a strategic imperative for governments, yet many agencies struggle to translate complex data into timely, actionable insights. This report will examine how digital twins can serve as practical decision-support tools in government, integrating data, analysis, and managerial judgment to support evidence-based decision-making. Drawing on case studies of government digital twin initiatives, the report will analyze how digital twins are designed, utilized, and managed in practice. It will also present an applied framework and implementation-oriented guidance to help government leaders and practitioners evaluate when and how digital twins can strengthen data-informed, smart governance.

NATO’s Difficult Path to Multi-Domain Operations: Identifying the Key Barriers to Whole-of-Government Approaches by Thomas Crosbie and Simon Smith, Royal Danish Defence College

This report will examine how NATO is evolving toward Multi-Domain Operations, requiring unprecedented coordination across military and civilian sectors. The study will identify barriers to whole-of-government collaboration, and offer actionable strategies to improve cross-agency alignment. The findings will provide lessons directly applicable to efforts across NATO member governments to strengthen interagency coordination and partnerships.

IT Cost Recovery Using Chargeback – Time for Change by Sanjay Gupta, State of Rhode Island

This report will evaluate the effectiveness of IT chargeback models in state government, which often create friction for agencies. The research will explore alternative funding models and deliver a decision framework to help leaders select more efficient approaches to financing centralized IT services. These insights are highly relevant for federal and state agencies seeking to modernize shared services and reduce administrative burden.

A Cybersecurity Readiness Assessment and Implementation Playbook for AI in Federal and State Agencies by Dr. Chul Hyun Park, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

As AI systems evolve toward greater autonomy, this report will focus on the cybersecurity risks associated with agentic AI. The research will develop a readiness toolkit, combining use case analysis, framework assessments, and expert interviews. The resulting guidance will help federal agencies adopt advanced AI capabilities securely, while managing emerging risks such as system misuse and adversarial threats.

Human-in-the-Loop as Governance: A Practical Framework for Integrating Citizen and Civil Society Voice into Government AI Procurement and Oversight by Prof. Carolina Rossini, School of Public Policy, University of Massachusetts, Amherst and Merve Hickok, Center for AI and Digital Policy

Government agencies are rapidly adopting AI to improve service delivery, but procurement and deployment decisions are made without structured input from the people most affected. This report will present a phased, actionable framework for integrating citizen and civil society participation into the full AI acquisition lifecycle: from pre-procurement problem definition through vendor selection, implementation, and ongoing oversight. Recommendations will be tiered to agency capacity, ensuring that public managers can identify concrete next steps.