Berlin, February 15, 2024, The Europe Today: Microsoft, the global tech giant, announced on Thursday its ambitious plan to invest nearly €3.3 billion ($3.5 billion) in an extensive expansion of its operations in Germany. The strategic investment aims to double the capacity of Microsoft’s “AI and data center infrastructure” in the European Union country, as revealed by Microsoft’s Vice Chair, Brad Smith, during an event in Berlin alongside Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
The investment is geared towards advancing not only artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities but also reinforcing Microsoft’s cloud computing applications in Germany. Brad Smith acknowledged Germany’s leading role in technological progress but noted a deficiency in AI skills within the country.
Smith emphasized that Microsoft’s significant investment is poised to address this skills gap and contribute to Germany’s ongoing technological advancements. The investment will play a crucial role in “building out infrastructure to support the German economy’s use of AI and expanding the skill base necessary to fill the jobs required,” stated Smith.
As part of the comprehensive investment plan, Microsoft is committed to launching a training program aimed at equipping up to 1.2 million individuals with new AI capabilities. This initiative is designed to empower the workforce and foster the development of necessary skills to harness the potential of artificial intelligence.
This investment marks a historic milestone for Microsoft in Germany, representing the largest financial commitment the company has ever made in its 40-year history within the country. The majority of the investment will be strategically focused on North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s most populous state, according to reports from the Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA).
Microsoft’s substantial investment aligns with its commitment to advancing digital capabilities, fostering innovation, and contributing to the technological ecosystem of Germany. The expansion of AI and data center infrastructure is expected to propel Germany further into the forefront of the global digital landscape.
