A groundbreaking study, aligned with the European Strategy for Data, has pioneered a cutting-edge Data Flow Analytical Framework aimed at quantifying the volume and value of data flows. This framework is poised to underpin the monitoring of critical targets outlined in the Digital Decade, particularly the uptake of cloud business and deployment of edge nodes. Key findings from the study reveal staggering estimates for cloud data flows within the EU Member States. In 2024 alone, it's projected that these flows will reach a staggering 46,000 Petabytes (PB), dwarfing even the storage capacity of the Internet Archive, the world's largest repository of internet content. Of this volume, approximately 36,600 PB is anticipated to be channeled to cloud and edge capabilities within the EU.
In terms of economic value, the study forecasts the European economic value of cloud data flows to soar to €77 billion by 2024, a figure set to skyrocket to €328 billion by 2035. Moreover, European enterprises leveraging cloud services are anticipated to generate around 30,000 PB/year of European cloud-based data flows (ECBDF) in 2023, translating to an economic value of €107 billion in 2024 alone. These figures underscore the pivotal role of cloud and edge computing in driving economic growth and innovation across Europe. Furthermore, they provide invaluable insights for policymakers, businesses, and investors, informing strategic decisions in cloud and edge computing.
The study's final report is poised to enrich the European Commission's Cloud Data Flow Strategic Visualisation Tool, granting external users access to comprehensive data on volume, value, and forecasts of cloud data flows per Member State, economic sector, and company size from 2016 to 2036.
Stay updated on the latest advancements in cloud and edge computing and access the full report for detailed insights into Europe's data-driven future.