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After years of growth, data centers are no longer a niche alternative; they are booming and have become foundational exposure to investment portfolios and the global economy, say Mike Armstrong and Michael Lee of GI Partners.

Scarce power, rising AI workloads and evolving technology are reshaping where data centers get built and how they are financed, say Principal Asset Management’s Casey Miller and Sebastian Dooley.

Data centers often steal the headlines, but digital infrastructure is a broader asset class, says Matteo Colombo, head of digital infrastructure investments at L&G.

As data centers scale in size and complexity, hyperscalers are relying more on investors and managers with the capital and expertise needed to deliver projects, says Blue Owl’s Alexey Teplukhin.

Durable demand supports sector growth, but widening dispersion is placing a premium on market selection, disciplined underwriting and experienced operators, says Mike Gordon, global CIO – real estate at Harrison Street Asset Management.

The rapid rise of AI is changing not only where data centers are built, but also how investors need to assess risk and value across the sector, says PGIM’s Morgan Laughlin.

As development viability evolves across Europe, investors are looking for the next opportunities, with Spain and Italy emerging as attractive markets for student accommodation, says Cain’s Oliver Cummings.

While university consolidation, reduced competition and predictable demand are key characteristics of both markets, significant differences require a nuanced approach and local expertise, says Landmark Properties’ Walt Templin.

PBSA continues to see resilient demand throughout the region, say Juan Manuel Acosta and Matteo Minardi.

Student housing is more than accommodation, it is critical infrastructure supporting students and enabling university growth, explains The Dot Group’s Nick Porter.