The Smart Campus Manifesto
The Smart Campus Manifesto by Dr. Steven Burrell is a call to action for engaging in the fundamental rethinking of campus design, governance, and operations in an era when buildings, data, and intelligence are deeply interconnected. It shifts the perspective of Operational Technology from merely infrastructure to a strategic asset that enhances sustainability, resilience, safety, and human experience. Aimed at technology, facilities, and institutional executives facing transformation around IT and OT integration, the Manifesto provides a roadmap for creating a clear vision, adopting practical frameworks, and employing methodologies to break down traditional silos. It provides a roadmap for turning fragmented projects into a unified strategy and a well-governed operating model with measurable outcomes. If you are responsible for campus planning, systems, and experiences—especially amid concerns about evolving socio-economic change, artificial intelligence, climate challenges, or rising energy costs—this Manifesto will inspire a new perspective on transforming the cyber and physical environments. It also encourages you to see yourself as a key architect in shaping an institution that is antifragile, adaptable, and responsive in the years and decades ahead.