Microsoft says tech firms must 'prove' AI data centers benefit locals

Global Management Dialogue 2026 Microsoft says tech firms must 'prove' AI data centers benefit locals CTO says company taking measured approach to infrastructure expansion Kevin Scott, Microsoft's chief technology officer, speaks during an interview on the sidelines of the Nikkei Forum Global Management Dialogue 2026 in Tokyo on Nov 11. (Photo by Satoko Kawasaki) TSUBASA SURUGA and KOSUKE SHIMIZU November 11, 2026 14:51 JST TOKYO -- Technology companies building data centers that power artificial intelligence must show their benefits to local communities rather than simply promise economic gains, Microsoft's technology chief told Nikkei Asia, as opposition to the projects intensifies. Read Next Artificial intelligence TSMC earmarks up to $1bn to buy Anthropic and OpenAI shares Technology Asia's AI supply chain and US data centers set to weather 'blue wave' #techAsia Taiwan's chipmakers shine brightest in living memory Artificial intelligence US tech giants' hidden AI debt swells 90% to $3.2tn in 6 months Artificial intelligence Microsoft offers buyouts to 60,000 employees as AI spending mounts Semiconductors Memory chip makers outearn Alphabet, other tech giants on AI demand Supply Chain AI boom sparks circuit board crunch across global tech supply chain Latest on Global Management Dialogue 2026 Global Management Dialogue 2026 TSMC is seeing 'insatiable' demand for chips, executive tells Nikkei Forum Global Management Dialogue 2026 Vietnam's FPT sees rising demand for AI adoption in Japan Global Management Dialogue 2026 AI won't take jobs, but those who can use it will: Siemens CEO Sponsored Content About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.