BSSC Research Priorities

The management of projects and programmes is one of BSSC’s leading research areas. It addresses the strategic importance of projects and programmes to deliver economic, environmental and social value for public and private clients, stakeholders and society. A project is considered as a learning and innovation space, social space and co-creation space for future making and the delivery of change.

In our research we consider digital and sustainability transitions on projects and position projects as agents to organise change towards sustainable futures. The research approach is interdisciplinary, including stances such as organisation theory, organization behaviour, business, economics, law, philosophy, technology, supply chain, construction and engineering management.

We further develop research approaches and methods to push frontiers and create viable solutions based on rigor and relevance, to have impact on both theory and practice in the field of project and programme management. Future-orientation, co-creating, engaging, informing teaching and training are core values in our research. With our research, we create contributions to theory, provide policy recommendations and enhance practice in the built environment and beyond. 

Main themes of research under this priority include:

• Project leadership
• Major programmes and megaprojects
• Major infrastructure delivery
• Collaboration, law and governance on projects
• Stakeholder engagement
• Sustainability, responsibility in and by projects
• Care and ethics
• Investments, benefits, and value creation by projects
• Professionalism in project management
• Project careers

Facilities and built management are critical to support the functionality, safety and sustainability of the built environment. BSSC aims to make a significant contribution to the design and management of high quality, inclusive and sustainable built environments where people work, play, learn, and live. In particular, BSSC has leading research on healthcare facilities management and learning environments.

To strengthen synergies of project management scholarship and engagement beyond single research centres, BSSC established The Project Hub in 2024, directed by Prof. Martina Huemann, as a platform to ensure research excellence and policy engagement to create better futures by projects.

Main themes of research under this priority include:

• Facilities management
• Asset management
• Healthcare facilities
• Learning environments
• Equality, diversity and inclusion in built environment

The climate crisis stands as one of humanity's greatest challenges. Construction accounts for a large share of global greenhouse emissions, and BSSC explores innovative solutions to this. BSSC leads in climate change related interdisciplinary research areas such as climate change economics, climate justice, carbon finance, carbon accounting, and the decarbonisation of the built environment.

We have been consistently publishing pioneering research in leading journals and actively engaging with policymakers, industry, the media and the public to foster a deeper understanding and more effective policies.

Main themes of research under this priority include:

• Climate change economics
• Climate finance and carbon market
• Climate justice
• Climate change integrated assessment model (IAM)
• Carbon footprint and accounting
• Decarbonization of built environment
• Interactions between climate change, air pollution, and health
• Technological innovations for the low-carbon transition

BSSC has been actively participating the United Nations Climate Change Conferences (COPs), positioning the school as an influencer in shaping global climate policy and action. Through these efforts, BSSC aims to significantly contribute to the UK's 2050 net zero target and the broader global 1.5°C objective, driving forward the agenda for a more sustainable and resilient future.

BSSC is rethinking the traditional view of real estate. Many varied forms of built asset are defined as real estate, which currently accounts for around 60% of the world’s tangible wealth. But to recognise real estate solely in terms of its financial value – as a commodity in a tradeable market – is only part of the story. BSSC defines real estate as ‘immovable assets’ which implies two things: 1) that it is land or is attached to land, rendered ‘immovable’ by gravity; and 2) that it is an asset and therefore has value, but this value may not be measured solely as economic, it may take the form of social or environmental value for example.

Real estate is foundational to the concept of equity: social, environmental and financial. Its stewardship and control reflect our creativity and imagination and have an impact on our societies, our economies, and our planet. We partner with investors, developers, fintech firms, governments and communities to bridge academic insights with real-world solutions.

BSSC aims to lead the transformation of real estate finance and investment. We are equipping a new generation of professionals to direct capital towards an inclusive, low-carbon built environment. Our work rewires systems to meet society's needs.

Main themes of research under this priority include:

• Real estate economics
• Real estate investment
• Real estate finance
• Real estate resilience and sustainability
• Real estate technology and analytics
• Affordable housing
•  Age-inclusive living spaces
• Healthy urbanism, placemaking & community inclusion
• Investment risk assessment
• Occupier experience
• Smart valuation methodologies and metrics

The construction and built environment sectors are undergoing a profound digital transformation. With the acceleration of advanced technologies—including AI, digital twins, and automation—the way we design, construct, operate, and adapt our built environment is being redefined. At BSSC, we are at the forefront of this shift, driving innovation and rethinking traditional practices to meet the complex demands of a rapidly evolving world.

Harnessing the potential of AI and digitalization, BSSC is committed to optimizing processes, reducing costs, and fostering sustainable, human-centric futures. Our research explores how AI, digital twins, and data-driven strategies enhance building performance, urban resilience, and stakeholder collaboration. By critically examining emerging technologies, we ensure that digital innovation aligns with societal, cultural, and environmental needs. Through continuous engagement with policymakers, industry leaders, and educators, we bridge theory and practice, shaping an inclusive and technologically empowered built environment.

Main themes of research under this priority include:

• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Blockchain
• Building Information Modelling (BIM)
• Business model innovation
• Construction robotics
• Digital construction
• Digital twins
• Immersive technology
• Smart cities

Infrastructure and construction play a crucial role in the economic, social and environmental development of regions and countries. They form the backbone of modern society and facilitate the functioning of various sectors and activities.

Investment in infrastructure is crucial for addressing current and future challenges, from economic development to environmental sustainability and social wellbeing. BSSC research focuses on the investment, finance, delivery and impacts of infrastructure, and its links with climate change and sustainability.

Main themes of research under this priority include:

• Affordable and reliable energy services
• Infrastructure and international development
• Infrastructure economics and finance
• Infrastructure engineering
• Infrastructure and construction investment
• History of construction
• Major infrastructure delivery
• Smart and resilient infrastructure

Sustainability in the built environment is essential for preserving the planet's natural resources, mitigating climate change, promoting human health and well-being, and creating resilient, economically viable and liveable communities. It represents a responsible and forward-thinking approach to urban development and construction that benefits both current and future generations.

Sustainability is a cross-cutting theme that influences and connects with all other areas of research within the school. This research priority focuses on various aspects related to environmental, social, and economic objectives in the context of the built environment, contributing to the achievement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Main themes of research under this priority include:

• Circular economy
• Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
• Healthcare service for ageing society
• History of sustainable construction
• Resilience of built environment
• Sharing economy
• Sustainable behaviour
• Sustainable cities
• Sustainable materials
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)