Connecting a Divided World
Find out how geopolitics, regulation, energy constraints, and supply chain disruption are reshaping digital infrastructure decisions.
Connectivity planning in an era of fragmentation
Enterprises operating across borders face a more complex set of constraints. Trade disruption is stretching lead times and reshaping sourcing assumptions. Tariffs and export controls are shifting cost models for key build inputs. Energy markets remain uncertain in many regions, and data sovereignty expectations continue to tighten.
Our latest eBook, Connecting a Divided World, looks at how these pressures are influencing data centre development and interconnection strategy, and what they mean for organisations that need performance, compliance, and adaptability across multiple markets.
Chapter 1: Global tensions and data regulatory policy
Geopolitical fragmentation is reshaping where and how digital infrastructure can operate.
This section explores:
- How data residency and cross-border transfer restrictions are narrowing deployment options
- The growing impact of investment screening, permitting, and export controls on delivery timelines
- Practical approaches to designing for sovereignty, including region-pinned architectures and resilient interconnection
Chapter 1 now available to download
Chapter 2: The tariffs challenge
Trade policy volatility is complicating sourcing, pricing, and long-term planning.
This section explores:
- How tariffs and export controls are affecting access to critical inputs
- The knock-on effects for build costs, scheduling and supply-chain certainty
- How operators are responding through supplier diversification, modular design, and improved visibility into landed costs across regions
Chapter 2 now available to download
Chapter 3: Planning, policy and power availability
Power access and planning approval have become defining constraints on expansion.
This section explores:
- The challenge of securing dependable, low-carbon power and timely grid connections
- Trade-offs between interconnect-rich metro hubs and faster-permitting regions
- How early grid engagement and clearer project scoping can reduce delay risk
Chapter 3 now available to download
Chapter 4: The skills squeeze
Talent shortages are emerging as a critical risk to infrastructure delivery and operations.
This section explores:
- The scale of the skills gap affecting both enterprises and data centre operators
- Why attracting and retaining new talent is becoming more difficult amidst infrastructure complexities
- Practical steps the industry can take, from skills transfer and upskilling to reshaping entry pathways and improving workforce diversity
Chapter 4 now available to download
Chapter 5: What's next for data centre innovation
New workloads are pushing infrastructure beyond traditional design assumptions.
This section explores:
- How AI and high-density workloads are pushing power and cooling requirements beyond traditional designs
- The role of liquid cooling, heat reuse, and AI-assisted operations in supporting sustainable growth
- How innovation and collaboration across the value chain are shaping the next generation of data centre design
Chapter 5 now available to download
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If you are planning capacity, expanding into new markets, or reassessing resilience and compliance, this eBook provides a clear view of what is changing, why it matters, and the approaches emerging across the sector.