Isak Nti Asare on Indiana’s data center boom: Promise, pitfalls, and policy
As big tech companies like Google and Meta consider Indiana for new data center developments, WRTV turned to Hamilton Lugar School Assistant Dean Isak Nti Asare for expert perspective on the economic, environmental, and policy implications of these projects. The segment, “A Big Picture Look at Data Centers as Big Tech Is Eyeing the Hoosier State,” explored both the opportunities and challenges that come with the state’s growing appeal to technology firms.
Nti Asare emphasized that data centers are critical to enabling participation in the digital economy but cautioned that development must be approached carefully. “Data centers are essential infrastructure,” he explained. “But if we’re not careful, necessary upgrades to the electric grid, for example, could fall on taxpayers instead of the companies making the initial investment.”
He further noted, “Data centers are not simple yes-or-no questions, but questions of surrounding context, long-term strategy, and what additional investments accompany them.” This perspective exemplifies the Hamilton Lugar School ethos of connecting local realities to global debates, showing students how complex policy challenges demand both critical analysis and practical solutions.
The WRTV story highlighted Indiana’s advantages in attracting new facilities, including available land and relatively low energy costs. At the same time, it noted concerns around transparency, zoning, environmental impact, and how much input local communities should have in shaping projects that can dramatically affect utilities and infrastructure. Nti Asare underscored that Indiana has “all the raw materials to take that next step,” in the digital economy, but stressed the importance of balancing growth with responsibility, transparency, and accountability.
In addition to his role as assistant dean and co-director of the Cybersecurity and Global Policy Program, Nti Asare has extensive experience working with local governments and civic organizations. He serves as vice president of the Bloomington Economic Development Commission and sits on the boards of the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation and the Trades District. In addition, through his leadership of the IU Cybersecurity Clinic, he has partnered with municipalities, nonprofits, and small businesses to strengthen digital resilience and develop innovative approaches to local governance and technology.
That service gives him direct experience with how decisions about zoning, utilities, and infrastructure affect residents. His dual perspective—as both a policy scholar and elected official—strengthens his expertise and brings unique insight to conversations about technology and governance.
For Hamilton Lugar students, Nti Asare’s engagement in debates like these connects classroom learning to real-world issues. Through the Cybersecurity and Global Policy Program and the IU Cybersecurity Clinic, students explore the same challenges covered in the WRTV story—energy demands, transparency, and community impact—while gaining hands-on experience with municipalities, nonprofits, and small businesses.
Nti Asare’s media presence reflects the Hamilton Lugar School’s mission of linking global challenges to local realities, preparing students to become thoughtful leaders in cybersecurity, policy, and international affairs.
Watch the WRTV segment to hear Nti Asare’s full analysis or visit our Cybersecurity and Global Policy Program web page to learn how our program prepares students to tackle these pressing challenges.