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Data Infrastructure

Modern data infrastructure supports research, innovation, and security. The National Academies explore how to build resilient data systems that enable access, sharing, and responsible use of information, and offer expert advice for federal statistical agencies and others who create, support, and use our nation’s data infrastructure.

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As Demand for Electricity Grows, Energy Parks Are Being Explored as Potential Solutions

Feature Story

The energy needs of AI data centers are greatly increasing the amount of electricity demanded from our aging power grid. A recent National Academies webinar looked at the potential benefits and barriers of regional energy parks — which co-locate local power sources and large-scale users at a single point on the grid — to provide electricity quickly and more affordably.

Feb 26, 2026

Steel transmission towers stretch across a desert plain at sunset while glowing blue strands symbolize data-intensive artificial intelligence increasing power consumption.

Data Infrastructure

And why does it matters

Data infrastructure refers to systems that hold, link, and support access and analysis of data. Our nation’s data infrastructure underpins our national statistics, making it a vital resource for informing decision making and public policy.

National statistics are derived from surveys and other data sources that reflect current conditions across the country and allow us to track changes over time. Although any data collection has limitations, the large scale and rigorous practices used to generate national statistics make them some of the most reliable data collections available.
Governments, businesses, and many types of organizations use national statistical data to inform decisions that affect daily life, our society, and our future.
- Labor Market
- Health and Well-Being
- Food and Agriculture
- City Planning
- Housing
- Energy
- Enviroment
- Education
- Transportation
- and much more!
In the United States, many federal agencies collect data as part of their mission. In addition, businesses and non-profits, as well as state, local, and Tribal governments, generate data that can potentially feed into national statistics. However, there is no central body that manages it all.
- Bureau of Economic Analysis (U.S. Department of Commerce)
- Bureau of Justice Statistics (U.S. Department of Justice)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (U.S. Department of Labor)
- Bureau of Transportation Statistics (U.S. Department of Transportation)
- Census Bureau (U.S. Department of Commerce)
- Economic Research Service (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
- Energy Information Administration (U.S. Department of Energy)
- National Agricultural Statistics Service (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
- National Center for Education Statistics (U.S. Department of Education)
- National Center for Health Statistics (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
- National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (National Science Foundation)
- Office of Research, Evaluation, and Statistics (Social Security Administration)
- Statistics of Income Division (U.S. Department of the Treasury)

Featured work

Governance and Coordination Systems for Resilient Earth Observations – Issue Paper

Individually-Authored Product

In Formation

Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Information Technology Laboratory (ITL)

Consensus/Advisory Activity

My Academies

Data Infrastructure

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