Beyond Data Centers:
The Economic Ripple Effect of Digital Infrastructure
The economic impact of data centers extends far beyond the jobs created inside the building themselves.
In Virginia, data centers anchor a broad digital infrastructure ecosystem that drives job creation, business growth, and long-term economic resilience across the Commonwealth by generating demand for a wide range of supporting
businesses.
Developing and operating these facilities engages a
wide range of industries, including construction,
engineering, advanced manufacturing, and electrical,
HVAC, and sheet metal contracting. Together, these
sectors provide the specialized labor and materials
required to support today’s data-driven economy.
These indirect jobs help grow Virginia’s workforce and stimulate economic activity well beyond the data centers themselves. Over time, this ecosystem also supports higher-skilled technical roles, strengthens local supply chains, and attracts additional investment from companies that rely on reliable, high-capacity digital infrastructure.
Watch industry leaders in Virginia talk about the economic ripple effects:
ColonialWebb’s Nathan Wethington talks about how important Virginia’s digital infrastructure ecosystem is to the Henrico County-based company.
Acoustical Sheetmetal Co. CEO Margaret Shaia talks about how the Virginia Beach-based company has grown and added jobs largely because of Virginia’s digital infrastructure ecosystem.
Weidmuller USA’s President and CEO Randy Sadler talks about how the company has added new jobs and expanded its engineering and production facility in Chesterfield County to meet growing industry demand.