How do municipalities formally integrate sustainability goals into the establishment of data centers? This roadmap presents a proven approach: Sustainability criteria are contractually agreed upon before selling the land, operators are required to publish their metrics annually, and an independent body is tasked with monitoring. Developed with the Schiphol Area Development Company (SADC) for the Green Data Center Campus in the Amsterdam region.

To create a strong and competitive digital economy, countries and municipalities should establish regional digital ecosystems that maximize value creation, minimize dependencies, and promote digital transformation in businesses and administration. Key aspects include the development of digital products, ensuring regional IT competence, and building a robust IT infrastructure. Risks such as dependency on imports and skill shortages must also be addressed.