What’s next for digital infrastructure? Insights from Datacloud 2026

The digital infrastructure industry gathered in Cannes once again this month for Datacloud 2026, bringing together leaders from across data centres, cloud, AI, energy, investment, and the wider digital infrastructure ecosystem.

Representing Harper Harrison were Jason Moore, Head of UK & Europe – Digital Infrastructure, and Charlie Sykes, Divisional Lead – Digital Infrastructure, who spent the week meeting with partners, attending industry events, and discussing the opportunities and challenges shaping the market.

Following another record-breaking year for the event, we caught up with Jason and Charlie to hear their thoughts on the conversations that dominated Datacloud 2026, the opportunities emerging across Europe, and what the industry should be paying attention to over the coming months.

What were your overall impressions of Datacloud 2026?

The event felt bigger, busier and more buoyant than last year. There is a lot to be positive about globally, but with a European focus there is much discussion around power and permitting. Who can get their sites delivered on time? – this was the key question circulating the event. For us, it felt busier than ever, our diaries were manic, and there were plenty of events being hosted in every bar or yacht available!

How did this year's event compare to previous years?

It felt busier around the event, in the nearby coffee shops, bars and restaurants and certainly when walking between meetings. The growth of the sector means this is always going to be obvious, but there were many people attending for the first time or to dip their toes in the data centre market and find an opportunity to do business.

What were the biggest topics of conversation across the event?

The usual topics dominate the landscape, power, permitting, land, delays and so on. For us, though, it was clear that growth is a key topic, as we got asked a lot about how to scale platforms, what allows us to attract talent for our partners and how can the industry sustain the demand it has on the talent market?

What opportunities or emerging markets stood out to you?

The Nordics and Southern Europe are not hidden gems, nor have they been for a while. However, it is clear that everyone can appreciate the opportunity in countries such as Finland currently. There is already a lot happening there, but we could really see northern and southern Europe explode in the years ahead.

What was your favourite moment from the week?

The Newmark event at the Carlton Beach Club was a fantastic venue (with the best canapes – the lobster roll was superb), but this was topped by bumping into our long term partner with whom we had a great laugh. The highlight though, Charlie’s trainers. Can be spotted from a mile away as they sparkle in the Cannes sunshine. The trick? A toothbrush and some elbow grease over the bathroom sink.

If you had to sum up Datacloud 2026 in one word, what would it be?

Bigger.