Tech Council warns foreign dominance in Norway's data centre sector
The Norwegian Technology Council reports that most data centres in the country are owned by foreign investors, raising concerns about limited local economic benefits.
According to a recent report from the Technology Council, foreign ownership accounts for the vast majority of data centre capacity in Norway. Sverre Gotaas, who heads both Herøya Industripark and the Council, explains that while the construction phase generates numerous jobs, the long-term benefits to local economies are modest. The report finds that value creation from these facilities falls short of that generated by conventional manufacturing.
Gotaas adds that there is little evidence the centres are being built to meet the government's strategic objectives. He also points out that one outlet allocation system for electricity does not differentiate between domestic and foreign operators, treating all applicants equally in the queue.
Why it matters
Foreign control of critical digital infrastructure could affect Norway's economic and security interests.
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