AI infrastructure investment forecast to reach $31.6 trillion
Global investment in the infrastructure needed to support artificial intelligence could reach US$31.6 trillion between 2026 and 2050, according to new analysis from PwC.
Its Global Data Centre Outlook forecasts that annual capital spending on data centres will rise from around $800 billion in 2026 to $1.8 trillion by 2050.
Growing demand for chips and communications technology
Much of this investment will be directed towards the technology inside data centres. PwC expects chips and other information and communications technology equipment to increase from 70% of total infrastructure investment today to 93% by 2050.
Unlike buildings, this equipment will need to be replaced and upgraded regularly as AI technology develops. This could create sustained demand for semiconductors, photonics, communications hardware, specialist materials and more energy-efficient electronic systems.
Access to reliable, affordable and low-carbon power will also play a major part in determining where future AI infrastructure is developed.
Connecting global demand with NETPark capabilities
The forecast highlights the scale of the potential markets for advanced-electronics businesses.
NETPark is home to companies developing technologies with applications across semiconductors, photonics and high-frequency communications. This includes Filtronic and aXenic, while Pragmatic Semiconductor retains a presence at NETPark alongside its main manufacturing site at Pragmatic Park in County Durham.
These capabilities are increasingly important as countries seek to expand AI infrastructure while developing more secure and resilient technology supply chains.
Find out more about advanced electronics and materials at NETPark: https://www.northeasttechnologypark.com/advanced-electronics
