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What is the value of data centers from a regional perspective? In short, that is the question with which PB7 and Dialogic have been tasked by the province of Flevoland. The fact that data centers play an important infrastructural role in the Dutch and international digital infrastructure is evident to many, but what added value and employment do they offer to their immediate surroundings? And do they generate even more in terms of spill-over or clustering effects towards other sectors and societal developments?
Within this economic impact study, we have illustrated, using three scenarios, how the direct, indirect, and induced expenditures and jobs have a regional impact within the province of Flevoland. We have also described whether and how data centers can contribute to the future for regionally strong sectors and some socially relevant developments.
A brief summary of the findings:
- The importance of data centers goes beyond the province, but the challenges related to integration and power supply are local. There is a classic prisoner's dilemma.
- The regional economic impact of the middle scenario amounts to EUR 0.5 billion and over 1,350 FTEs annually.
- Data centers can be well managed in terms of sustainability and their contribution to technical education.
- With additional policies, particularly more ICT companies can be attracted, and opportunities also arise in the field of sustainability.
The province of Flevoland will now combine our insights with explorations in the area of spatial integration, energy consumption, water usage, and opportunities for residual heat, to develop a well-founded data center strategy and policy frameworks.
Curious about the detailed findings? View the report here or contact Menno Driesse.