Connect | Virginia // DCD>Debate: The true cost of data center delays - Can we afford the price of progress?

As demand for data centers continues to rise, so does the complexity of their construction. The industry faces significant challenges, including labor shortages, the need for upskilling, and the integration of new technologies, all while managing logistical hurdles. This comes at a time when demand for data center services has never been higher.

Increased reliance on pre-fabrication, supply chain disruptions, with some constructing specialized factories onsite to support remote builds are contributing to rising costs and delays. However, the true costs extend beyond time and money: how do the evolving landscapes of AI, cooling systems, and rack technologies impact construction timelines and, ultimately, ROI for operators?

What are the primary threats to the industry’s growth, and is it time for the sector to pause and reassess its approach to design, technology, and workforce development in order to avoid further slowdowns?

Conducted under Chatham House Rule, this DCD>Debate invites experts to dissect these pivotal industry issues.