I N D U S T R Y I N S I G H T
UNIVERSITIES IN CRISIS NEED A SMARTER SOLUTION
It’ s no secret that many universities are under increasing financial pressures. Even with growing tuition fees, finance teams at universities are still finding it hard to balance quality education with financial stability. Andrew Foster, Managing Director for Public Services at North, explains how smart technology can offer a unique opportunity to enhance learning environments while delivering measurable financial returns.
U niversities across the UK are facing mounting financial challenges. From reduced public funding and international enrolment volatility to inflation and rising operational costs, institutions are under intense pressure to balance quality education with financial sustainability. In such a climate, smart technology is no longer just a tool for innovation – it’ s fast becoming a strategic imperative for managing financial and operational risk.
Smart campuses offer a unique opportunity to enhance learning environments while delivering measurable financial returns. By integrating technology into campus infrastructure, institutions can reduce energy consumption, cut maintenance costs and make more efficient use of physical spaces. AI-driven systems, Internet of Things( IoT) devices and enhanced security features can optimise resources, improve building management and ultimately enhance student experience – all while driving down long-term operational expenditure.
The definition of a smart campus varies widely, with no single consensus on what it entails. However, at its core, it involves Digital Transformation aimed at improving efficiency, sustainability and security. Many perceive smart campuses as simply equipping spaces with sensors to measure environmental factors, but this narrow view overlooks the broader possibilities – including cost-saving automation and predictive maintenance that minimises costly downtime. A connected smart
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