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The Nordic societies and the development of the data centre industry: Digital transformation meets infrastructural and industrial inheritance

Author

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  • Saunavaara, Juha
  • Laine, Antti
  • Salo, Matti

Abstract

While attempts to conceptualise the future course of societal development often emphasise the high-level integration and blurring of boundaries between physical and digital space, digital transformation has already made current societies highly dependent on the flawless functioning of the digital infrastructures built globally around data centres. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the recent emergence and maturation of the Nordic data centre industry. While paying special attention to questions concerning technological and societal change, as well as industrial and infrastructural inheritance, the research explores the development of the field that has a short history but strong ties with processes that can be traced back tens or even hundreds of years. Examining the continuity between old and new, the focus is not only on the material infrastructure but also on policies and practices that have paved the way for the evolution of stable Nordic societies with relevant human capital and business-friendly environments that support the incubation of new industries and the deployment of new technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Saunavaara, Juha & Laine, Antti & Salo, Matti, 2022. "The Nordic societies and the development of the data centre industry: Digital transformation meets infrastructural and industrial inheritance," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 69(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:69:y:2022:i:c:s0160791x22000720
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2022.101931
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jiang, Yiling & Lu, Yiling & Tian, Xizhou & Wei, Daiping, 2026. "Public data openness as an economic policy lever for sustainable tourism: Evidence on mechanisms, spillovers and heterogeneity from Chinese cities," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 860-881.
    2. Lykourentzou, Maria Anna & Apostolopoulos, Nikolaos & Dabić, Marina & Liargovas, Panagiotis & Tekavčič, Metka, 2025. "Assessing the role of human factor in digital transformation projects: A systematic literature review and research agenda," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    3. Barbara Fura & Aneta Karasek & Beata Hysa, 2025. "Statistical assessment of digital transformation in European Union countries under sustainable development goal 9," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 59(1), pages 937-972, February.
    4. Hyvönen, Johannes & Mori, Taro & Saunavaara, Juha & Hiltunen, Pauli & Pärssinen, Matti & Syri, Sanna, 2024. "Potential of solar photovoltaics and waste heat utilization in cold climate data centers. Case study: Finland and northern Japan," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 201(C).
    5. Li, Shuqi & Zhu, Yuxuan & Xu, Nuo, 2025. "Computing resources and trade credit financing: Evidence from China," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).

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