Digital infrastructure is the silent engine of progress – Friso Haringsma
As CEO of Datacenter United and co-founder of the Belgian Digital Infrastructure Association (BDIA), I witness every day how fundamental digital infrastructure has become. While it often remains invisible, it forms the backbone of our economy, our communication, and our society.
In recent years, one thing has become clear: without reliable data centers, innovation slows down. I am convinced that Belgium needs infrastructure that is not only technically strong but also locally anchored, scalable, and sustainable.
At Datacenter United, we are building a Belgian network of data centers that offers exactly that: independence, security, flexibility, and a sharp focus on energy efficiency. Our recent acquisition of the Proximus data centers is a logical step in that mission. We want to give businesses throughout Belgium access to robust and high-performance infrastructure – without compromise.
The challenges in our industry are complex and cover multiple domains – technology, regulation, education, and energy. That’s why I co-founded BDIA, together with other key players: to build bridges between the market, government, and knowledge institutions.
We aim to structurally contribute to a strong Belgian ecosystem. Whether it’s about sustainable energy solutions, training the next generation of talent, or increasing the international visibility of our market – these goals can only be achieved through collaboration.
For me, it’s not about building as much as possible. It’s about ensuring that what we build is future-proof. At Datacenter United, we focus on innovative technologies, energy optimization, and smart growth – but just as much on people. Ours is a sector rooted in technology, but above all, it’s a sector built on trust and people.
Belgium’s digital infrastructure has everything it takes to play a leading role in Europe. My message to companies, governments, and educational institutions is simple: look beyond the short term, build sustainable solutions together, and dare to be ambitious. Because only through structural collaboration can we remain resilient as a sector—and as a country.
About Friso Haringsma
Friso Haringsma is CEO of Datacenter United, a leading Belgian network of independent data centers, and co-founder of the Belgian Digital Infrastructure Association (BDIA). With over twenty years of experience in digital infrastructure and IT entrepreneurship, he is committed to building a sustainable, scalable, and locally anchored digital future in Belgium. Friso is a strong advocate for collaboration between industry, government, and education, and frequently shares insights on innovation, energy efficiency, and ecosystem development in the data center sector.
He is also a sought-after guest speaker at national and international events on digital infrastructure, sustainability, and Belgium’s strategic role in the European digital landscape.
