Co-creating and envisioning aerotropoli for Africa...
How do we envisage doing this?
The Aerotropolis Institute Africa (AIA) is an emerging professional institute as a result of joint venture between the UKZN and the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs. Its primary aim is to contribute to the body of knowledge on aerotropoli and mainstream aviation industry through research and development; collaborating and partnering with local, international and continental institutions to deliver educational programmes that will develop aerotropolis human capital. In order to achieve this, it will build a global panel of aviation and aerotropoli experts to develop thought leadership; and to advocate for policy shifts in support of aerotropolis related developments and air transport liberalisation initiatives.
The strategic approach of AIA in relation to research will be to prioritise research projects in aerotropoli and aviation-related areas for which there is very little or no body of knowledge, develop research proposals and identify research partners (such as industry players, bodies, other local and international Higher Education Institutions [HEIs], research institutions, etc.).
In order to achieve this strategic approach, it will solicit funding and execute these research projects with the aim of publishing research outcomes in textbooks, or academic journals and disseminate results on other platforms like seminars and conferences.
In terms of educational programmes, the AIA will develop these on a collaborative basis rather than initiate new ones, explore joint degree programmes in the initial stages, and customise and align UKZN existing degree programmes to include aerotropolis and aviation modules that can be offered in collaboration with other international HEIs identified in the feasibility study.
AIA Goals and Programmes
The AIA is currently developing expertise and services in the following areas:
- Offering specialised short courses in sectors or fields that support skills development related to African aerotropoli.
- Offering access to higher educational qualifications dedicated to, or with a focus on supporting critical elements of the aerotropolis developments in Africa, such as the proposed Durban Aerotropolis Master Plan (DAMP).
- Offering workshops, conferences and webinars devoted to opportunities and challenges within aerotropolis developments.
- Engaging in client directed and grant based research projects, and supporting masters and doctoral students who engage in research that would benefit the aerotropolis based developments and industries, as well as the idea of :-
- Developing the envisaged strategic partnerships with some of the institutions included in our business plan as listed below.
