AI expansion drives SME adoption and global infrastructure demand

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is driving significant shifts in both business operations and global industrial infrastructure. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), AI is becoming increasingly accessible as an operational tool rather than just a complex technological project. By focusing on practical customer service needs—such as improving response speeds and personalizing user experiences—SMEs can implement AI without requiring large, dedicated IT departments.

On a global scale, the demand for AI is creating a massive requirement for physical infrastructure. Beyond semiconductors and GPUs, the AI boom is driving demand for electricity, transformers, cooling systems, fiber optics, and specialized industrial components. McKinsey estimates that global data center infrastructure spending could approach $7 trillion by 2030.

This surge in computing power is also impacting energy sectors. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that global data center electricity consumption could rise from approximately 485 TWh in 2025 to around 950 TWh by 2030. This creates a logistical challenge, as the physical infrastructure required to support AI—such as power grids and manufacturing plants—often takes much longer to expand than the software and algorithms themselves.