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The digital backbone of the world
The data center industry is vital in our connected era, powering every digital action and safeguarding the world's data. With this independent report on the value of data centers, we explore their role in driving innovation and the global economy.
The powerhouses behind our digital lives
As our reliance on digital services grows, so does the importance of data centers. These hubs process, store, and secure the vast amount of data we create, yet their impact often stays hidden.
This report examines the economic value of the global data center market and its pivotal role in supporting our digital future.
565K
The overall number of jobs attributable to the operations of the data center industry by the end of 2022.
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“By 2027, the economic benefits enabled by global data centers could reach up to USD 6.3 trillion per annum, supporting around 650,000 jobs directly, and countless more indirectly.”
What role do data centers play in the global economy?
Data centers are the central nervous systems of modern economies. They provide essential infrastructure for storing, processing, and accessing the vast amounts of data our digital lives create. In fact, the enabled benefits of data center services equate to almost 6% of global GDP.
How many jobs do data centers support globally?
Data centers support an estimated 565,000 jobs worldwide, categorized as:
- Direct jobs: 69,700 jobs, which are created directly by data centers. This includes the workforce employed by data center operator.
- Indirect jobs: 434,700 jobs, which arise from the procurement of services by data center operators. This includes equipment suppliers, construction workers, engineers, and professional services like consulting, legal, and marketing workers
- Induced jobs: 60,500 jobs that are supported when data center employees spend their income on goods and services like supermarkets, transport, and leisure
Which regions have the highest contribution from data centers?
Of the global economic contributions from data centers, North America accounts for around 41%, and the EMEA region contributes another 40%.
How do data centers influence business operations and processes?
Data centers enable businesses to generate and analyze vast amounts of operational and market data. This data intelligence drives innovation, aids in making informed decisions, offers insights into emerging opportunities, and fosters the adoption of advanced technologies like AI, AR, and blockchain.
Which sectors benefit most from data centers?
Among the countries studied, financial services represent nearly 18% of the GDP enabled by data centers, followed by professional services at 16%. Manufacturing, including chemicals and pharmaceuticals, accounts for an additional 12%.
