A new survey shows that 93% of respondents across Europe have a positive (51%) or neutral (42%) perception of data centers. This favorable sentiment is even stronger among individuals aware of a nearby data center, indicating that familiarity may positively influence public opinion. Released by CyrusOne, a global leader in data center development and operations, the research delves into European public perceptions, revealing widespread support as well as notable gaps in understanding.
Conducted by Censuswide, the survey gathered insights from over 13,000 respondents across the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, France, and Germany.
Despite this positive outlook, the survey also highlighted widespread misunderstandings about the role data centers play in supporting daily digital activities. Only 52% of respondents accurately described a data center's purpose, and less than half (45%) recognized data centers as essential infrastructure for popular digital applications like social media, messaging apps, and video conferencing. This indicates that while public sentiment is favorable, there remains a considerable gap in comprehension, with many failing to connect data centers with the digital services they regularly use.
As data centers continue to expand to meet Europe's growing digital needs, public perception will be a crucial factor in their development. CyrusOne's findings indicate that data center companies have a clear opportunity to build on existing goodwill by addressing public concerns, highlighting economic contributions, and investing in community initiatives that resonate with local residents. By actively engaging with host communities and fostering a better understanding of their role, data centers can strengthen public trust and ensure smoother expansion as the demand for digital infrastructure grows.
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