Progress in artificial intelligence (AI) depends on talented researchers, well-designed algorithms, quality datasets, and powerful hardware. The relative importance of these factors is often debated, with many recent “notable” models requiring massive expenditures of advanced hardware. But how important is computational power for AI progress in general? This data brief explores the results of a survey of more than 400 AI researchers to evaluate the importance and distribution of computational needs.

Micah Musser is a Research Analyst working on the CyberAI Project.

Rebecca Gelles is a Data Scientist. Previously, she studied at the University of Maryland.

Ronnie Kinoshita is a Survey Research Analyst, supporting various lines of research.

Catherine Aiken is the Director of Data Science and Research. Before joining CSET as its survey specialist, she was at the University of Maryland.

Andrew Lohn is a Senior Fellow working on the CyberAI Project.