TL;DR

  • The AI Inflection Point: Artificial Intelligence is driving a massive surge in the digital infrastructure industry, requiring an unprecedented scale of technology, capital, and energy resources.
  • Sovereign AI: The European market is focusing heavily on data privacy and “sovereign AI,” leading to the rise of homegrown “neoclouds” to reduce reliance on US-based hyperscalers.
  • Curated Networking: Structure Research’s upcoming infra/STRUCTURE Summit (Oct 6-8, 2026, in Las Vegas) is focusing on a “quality over quantity” approach, emphasizing manageable attendance sizes and curated “Hyperscale and Neocloud one-on-ones”.

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The digital infrastructure industry is experiencing a massive paradigm shift, driven by the unprecedented demands of Artificial Intelligence. In a recent episode of NEDAS Live!, host Ilissa Miller sat down with Phil Shih, the Founder and Managing Director of Structure Research, to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of data centers, hyperscale platforms, and global connectivity.

With both iMiller Public Relations and Structure Research celebrating their 15th anniversaries in 2026, their conversation in episode 65 offered a unique look back at how far the industry has come, and a critical look forward at the macro trends shaping its future.

The AI Inflection Point and the “Crypto Pivot”

According to Shih, the industry is currently in the midst of a major inflection point. The technology, resources, and capital required to support AI infrastructure represent a massive step function higher than the cloud boom that preceded it. Interestingly, this capacity crunch is creating unexpected industry crossovers.

Shih noted that a significant wave of cryptocurrency and Bitcoin mining companies, many holding vast portfolios of land and energy resources, are actively moving into the data center infrastructure sector to support hyperscale platforms and AI models. Because these crypto firms are already experienced in navigating community pushback and strict jurisdiction legislation regarding power and water usage, they are uniquely positioned to execute successful leasing deals and transition their purpose-driven data centers into AI factories.

Global Markets: Sovereign AI and Geopolitical Impacts

The conversation also ventured into international territory, specifically touching upon Shih’s recent insights from the European market. As the global race for AI dominance continues, Europe is heavily focused on “sovereign AI” and data privacy. To reduce reliance on US-based hyperscalers, Europe is steadily developing its own homegrown “neoclouds” to deliver localized computing infrastructure.

Shih and Miller also discussed the sobering reality that data centers are increasingly viewed as critical infrastructure targets amidst global geopolitical conflicts. Recent events in the Middle East, and historic drone threats to major cloud facilities, have shed a light on the vital importance of business continuity and proactive disaster recovery planning.

Looking Ahead: The infra/STRUCTURE Summit 2026

To help industry leaders make sense of these complex data points, Structure Research continues to champion collaboration through its marquee annual event, the infra/STRUCTURE Summit. Returning to the Wynn Las Vegas from October 6-8, 2026, for its seventh installment, the summit prides itself on a “quality over quantity” approach.

Unlike massive, overwhelming trade shows, the infra/STRUCTURE Summit is a highly manageable experience capped at a curated number of attendees. This year, the event is expanding its highly successful private meeting spaces to include “Hyperscale and Neocloud one-on-ones,” ensuring that operating companies, real estate firms, and energy providers can maximize their time and forge meaningful relationships.

As the industry navigates the complexities of AI demand, global conflicts, and power constraints, making data-driven decisions has never been more critical.

To learn more about Structure Research and their latest reports, visit structureresearch.net. To secure your spot at the upcoming event in Las Vegas, head over to infrastructuresummit.io.

To listen to the full conversation, please click here.