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What is the regional value of data centers? This is the question that PB7 and Dialogic have been tasked with by the province of Flevoland. It is widely acknowledged that data centers play a crucial infrastructural role in the Dutch and international digital infrastructure, but what added value and employment opportunities do they offer to their immediate surroundings? And do they generate further benefits in terms of spillover effects or clustering towards other sectors and societal developments?
In this economic impact study, we have provided insights into how the direct, indirect, and induced expenditures and jobs have a regional impact within the province of Flevoland through three scenarios. We have also described how data centers can contribute to the future of regionally strong sectors and certain socially relevant developments.
A brief summary of the outcomes:
- The importance of data centers exceeds the province, but the challenges surrounding integration and power supply are local. There is a classic prisoner's dilemma.
- The regional economic impact of the mid-scenario amounts to EUR 0.5 billion and over 1,350 FTE on an annual basis.
- Data centers can be effectively managed in terms of sustainability and their contribution to technical education.
- Additional policies can attract more ICT companies in particular, and opportunities in the realm of sustainability can also emerge.
