Closing Keynote Panel: The Role of Digital Infrastructure in National Economies: The Ministerial View

As nations race to harness the economic potential of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data‑driven innovation, digital infrastructure has become a foundational pillar of global competitiveness, as well as national security and sovereignty.

In this exclusive ministerial‑level session, the International Data Center Authority (IDCA) moderates a series of conversations with government ministers and senior policymakers to explore how data centres and digital infrastructure are being positioned at the heart of national economic strategy.

From enabling AI‑led productivity growth and attracting foreign direct investment, to securing energy supply, protecting digital sovereignty, developing the workforce and empowering local talent, and meeting climate commitments, decision makers who are core to the strategic national missions will share their perspectives on the evolving role of data centres as critical national infrastructure.

Key themes include:

• How governments are integrating digital infrastructure into long‑term economic and industrial policy
• The role of data centres in supporting AI adoption, innovation ecosystems, and digital public services
• Balancing growth with energy security, sustainability, and grid resilience
• National approaches to data sovereignty, regulation, and public‑private collaboration
• What policymakers need from industry to accelerate delivery at scale

This session offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from decision‑makers shaping the strategy, policy, regulatory, and investment environments that will define the next decade of digital infrastructure development—and to understand how governments view the sector’s responsibilities and opportunities in building resilient, AI‑ready economies.