The report reveals a marked gap between the two main stages of the campuses' life cycle. During the construction phase, based on a comparable project worth €23,997.5 million, the Aragonese economy will capture 54.5% of spending. However, once the servers become operational, regional retention falls to 33% because a large share of spending goes toward energy costs and technological equipment.
MAINTENANCE TO MOBILIZE €174 MILLION A YEAR
Given the importation of computer hardware, the real opportunity for local SMEs lies in the industrial and operational maintenance of the facilities, which is estimated to mobilize €174.3 million annually. Unlike the temporary peak generated by construction work, these technical management contracts offer stability throughout the 20- to 30-year useful life of each campus.
The report explains that, to access these contracts, the business community must adapt to a new procurement structure. SMEs must certify certain services, adopt new technologies, have sufficient financial capacity, build partnerships to take on large contracts and specialize, all with the aim of entering this value chain.
According to the report, this effort and investment offer a significant strategic reward in the medium and long term. Companies already integrated into this chain, such as Eurocontainer, say that “getting in here means obtaining an export passport and opens up the global market.” Several companies from the region that have passed data center certification processes are using this quality seal to work in other countries such as Portugal, France and Finland.
Because of all these opportunities to secure major contracts and expand into other countries, the Basilio Paraíso Foundation stresses that preparing local businesses in time will make the difference between merely watching the construction unfold and building a more competitive Aragonese industry.
