Craig Huffman, Co-founder & CEO, Metro Edge Development Partners, tells us that data centres must be ‘of the community’, not just ‘in the community’.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of the North American data centres market, the emphasis on technological prowess and infrastructure capabilities remains paramount.
However, an emerging trend that intertwines social responsibility with technological advancement is gaining momentum. Traditionally viewed as the backbone of digital services, data centres are now recognised as pivotal agents for community development and social change.
Integrating social impact strategies from the onset of the development into the operational framework of data centres marks a transformative shift in the industry. This approach extends the role of data centres beyond their core functionalities, positioning them as catalysts for community enhancement and economic growth.
By fostering a symbiotic relationship with the communities they serve, data centres can contribute significantly to local economies, creating high-value employment opportunities, stimulating local business ecosystems and enhancing the tax base for local governments.
Moreover, the commitment to social responsibility and community engagement by data centre operators has led to the development of specialised training and education programs in collaboration with local educational institutions. This equips the community with the skills required to operate a modern data centre and addresses the widespread shortage of highly skilled labour in the technology sector.
Such initiatives ensure that the technological benefits are accessible to a broader demographic, bridging the digital divide, as Deloitte’s insights on the social impact of technology suggest.
As the role of data centres evolves from the periphery of community life towards community-centric hubs, the value of social responsibility is becoming more core to its mission. The Hindustan Times showcases the transformative potential of technology and digital infrastructure to address societal challenges, reduce the environmental footprint, and foster a more inclusive and prosperous future.
Consequently, data centres have a vital role to play in enabling local communities to achieve their social, economic and environmental goals.
As the digital infrastructure industry grows, the importance of data centres as pillars of modern society becomes increasingly evident. Their ability to enhance connectivity, support digital access across industries, and contribute to communities’ social and economic development, positions them as key players toward a more connected world.
In this context, investing in community-centric data centres becomes a strategic imperative, ensuring that technological progress is in lockstep with the principles of social responsibility and community development. I firmly believe that data centres must be of the community, not just in the community.
