AI may dominate the headlines — but the real race is happening somewhere else.
Energy. Water. Data infrastructure.
On this episode of Transform Gov, Maeve Kneafsey speaks with Alice Charles, Director at Arup and former World Economic Forum infrastructure lead, about the global competition shaping the future of cities, economies and governments.
Alice explains why the AI boom is triggering what some leaders are calling the largest infrastructure build-out in history.
And why the foundations of AI are not software — but power grids, water systems and data centres.
In this conversation:
• Why the AI race between the US and China is really about infrastructure
• Why AI requires massive increases in energy and water
• Why Ireland’s climate gives it an unexpected advantage for data centres
• Why smart city projects failed when they focused on technology instead of citizens
• Why governments must move from planning to delivery
Alice also reflects on lessons from the World Economic Forum, global infrastructure investment, and the strategic decisions countries must make to compete in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
If AI is the future — the question is simple:
Do we have the infrastructure to support it?
Digital Government Infrastructure, AI infrastructure, Data centres, Energy transition, Urban development, Smart cities, Public sector innovation
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