"Community-Integrated Mutual Growth Strategy Needed from the Site Selection Stage" [AIDC Era of Coexistence](19)

VIII. Expert Insights on Successful AIDC Development
[Interview] Mikael Ekman, Director of Policy and Government Relations, Microsoft Denmark and Iceland
"Providing Tailored Support for Local Communities"
"A Community-Driven Strategy Over O

Editor's NoteIn the era of artificial intelligence (AI), the government has announced plans to build a total of 18.4GW worth of data centers as part of three major mega-projects by 2035. Data centers, which were previously only facilities to support IT services, data storage, and sharing, are now evolving into industrial platforms that produce and supply AI computing resources. However, despite the common understanding that they are key infrastructure determining the nation's industrial competitiveness, there are still many issues to resolve before the expansion of AI data centers (AIDC) can move forward. The Asia Business Daily has conducted on-site reporting on countries such as Finland, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, which have successfully addressed challenges related to electricity, permitting, water usage, and community conflicts around AIDCs. We also seek solutions for how AIDCs can become assets that coexist with local communities in Korea.

"A data center is not a building on wheels. Once constructed, it remains in the local community for a very long time. That is why it is important to carefully consider what kind of good neighbor you want to be."

On the 3rd of last month in Copenhagen, Denmark, Mikael Ekman, Director of Policy & Government Relations at Microsoft Denmark and Iceland, said, "In order to be a good neighbor, Microsoft takes everything into account, from creating visually appealing designs right from the start, to investing in local projects along with municipal governments and residents," as he shared this perspective.

On the 3rd of last month (local time) in Copenhagen, Denmark, Mikael Ekman, Director of Policy & Government Relations at Microsoft Denmark and Iceland, emphasized that "it is important to engage with local residents from the early stages of data center construction." Photo by Hyunju Lee

Microsoft has launched data centers in three areas of Denmark: Roskilde, Høje-Taastrup, and Køge, and has announced plans to expand into Western Jutland as well. This is the largest investment since entering Denmark 36 years ago. The secret to Microsoft's ongoing success in the increasingly contentious competition to attract data centers is its on-site, community engagement strategy—built from direct meetings with residents from the very beginning of site selection, rather than one-off donations or superficial support.

Ekman explained, "Each of the three regions had different needs from their local communities," adding, "We worked closely with residents and accomplished some exciting projects together."

In Høje-Taastrup, Microsoft created a park called ‘Office Park’ on a portion of the land purchased for the data center, for the benefit of residents living across from the site. The park was designed in collaboration with experts on facilities for people with disabilities and is inclusive, allowing those with visual impairments and others with mobility issues to use it safely. Alongside this, a research center was established, where people with disabilities can experience and participate in the development of the latest assistive technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

The Microsoft data center located in the Roskilde area of Denmark. It has established a partnership with the local technical school to provide education for students as well as connect them to related job opportunities. Provided by Microsoft.

In the Roskilde area, Microsoft has partnered with the local technical school to help students learn the infrastructure skills needed to operate data centers and to find jobs in related industries. Basic computer literacy and digital education are also provided for immigrants.

Ekman said, "Communities where data centers are located are generally satisfied with our collaboration because they find a partner that wishes to be a long-term neighbor. Significant investments are made, jobs are created, and local economic activity is also stimulated as a result."

Ekman emphasized that engaging with local residents from the early planning stages of data center construction is crucial. He noted, "We announced plans for the western region last year and held our first community meeting within a week. Since then, we have held three to four more meetings, and with the official procedures about to begin, there will be a public hearing period." He further explained, "During the hearing period, local residents will have an official opportunity to share their opinions. Because we started the conversation early, sometimes we don't have all the answers right away—which may be frustrating for some residents—but we strive to provide updates as soon as we have them."

This feature was supported by the Media Promotion Fund, created from government advertising commissions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.