AIA Facilitates International Research Collaboration

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The Aerotropolis Institute Africa (AIA), a joint venture between KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) College of Law and Management Studies, recently facilitated a multi-stakeholder collaboration aimed at exploring research opportunities to benefit the region.

Hosted by Dr Rudi Kimmie (AIA Interim Director, UKZN) and Dr Justin Pringle (Civil Engineering, UKZN) the engagement included stakeholders such as Mr Roel Kamerling (TU Delft, Global Initiative), Mr Sivaramakrishnan Chandrasekaran (biotechnology and clean energy shipping researcher, TU Delft) and Mr Gerrit van t’ Veen a global social entrepreneurship practitioner from wearechangemakers.org.

Discussions focused on multilateral partnerships, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship development. Site visits included UKZN, Dube Trade Port, the NGO Quarry Road Enviro-Champs, Palmiet River, Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), and KZN Wildlife at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi.

Multilateral partnerships are a hallmark of successful modern enterprises. They counter insularity by enabling local and international collaboration, fostering a cross-pollination of ideas, and encouraging critical reflection. Such partnerships help organisations leapfrog into advanced technologies and retain competitive advantage in the global market.

The engagements aimed to expand applied research horizons to address KwaZulu-Natal’s ‘wicked problems’ - youth unemployment, economic decline, and ecological degradation. Another goal was to strategically position Higher Education Institutions to respond proactively, transitioning from reactive ‘research’ to proactive ‘prosearch’ in the development of responsible knowledge.

While the core themes centred on alternative energy - specifically biowaste - and the harnessing of related value streams, discussions also emphasised enhancing social impact through entrepreneurship. The potential projects were framed to be both multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary.

After six days of intense discussions and site visits to research labs at UKZN and MUT; the industrial and agri-zones at Dube Trade Port; community recycling activists at Quarry Road informal settlement; and engagements with KZN Wildlife - including a rhino dehorning expedition at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi - the Dutch delegation gained a deeper understanding of KwaZulu-Natal’s socio-economic landscape.

The outcomes of the engagement were significant. In addition to strengthening UKZN’s partnership with TU Delft - ranked among the top 50 universities globally - the visit showcased valuable research conducted at both UKZN and MUT. Notably, KZN Wildlife has accepted, in principle, a proposal to establish ‘living labs’ at its game reserves. This initiative promises mutual benefits for academic institutions, conservation efforts, and the province at large. 

Words: NdabaOnline

Photograph: Supplied