# What could data centres look like in 2055?

> Source: <https://news.lenovo.com/lenovo-data-center-of-the-future/>
> Published: 2026-07-09 16:58:17+00:00

# What’s driving the change?

From powering AI workloads efficiently to meeting urgent sustainability and compliance demands, the research* shows traditional data center designs are falling short, with many IT leaders admitting their current infrastructure does not support energy or carbon-reduction goals.

### Here’s what IT leaders told us:

**– Sustainability Gap: **Traditional data centers in EMEA are not fit for purpose when it comes to sustainability. 45% of IT leaders say their current infrastructure doesn’t support their sustainability goals, as AI and automation increase energy demands.

**– Data Sovereignty: **Control is critical to competitiveness. 88% of IT decision-makers are already viewing data sovereignty as a priority and nearly 99% expect it to remain important over the next five years

**– Low Latency: **Speed is an ongoing concern. 94% cite low latency as a top requirement today and in the years ahead, driven by the growth of real-time applications and edge computing.

**– AI Infrastructure Readiness: **AI is outpacing the infrastructure needed to power it. 90% expect AI to drive massive data growth, and 62% expect AI and automation to have the greatest impact on IT strategy. However, fewer than half (41%) feel ready to integrate AI effectively.

**– Partnership: **Selecting a vendor and partner that can provide tangible impact is key. 92% of IT decision-makers prioritize technology partners who reduce energy use and carbon footprint.

*Fieldwork conducted in August 2025, surveyed 250 IT decision makers in companies of 250 employees or more in Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden, the UK and UAE.