Research & Innovation
ACD-SAR is a catalyst for applied knowledge creation, ethical innovation, and transformative impact. Our research ecosystem is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, empowering doctoral candidates to co-create solutions with industry, government, and civil society.
Applied Research Projects
- Our professional doctorates are anchored in work-based research that addresses real-world challenges. Each candidate undertakes a thesis project that:
- Integrates academic rigor with professional relevance
- Demonstrates measurable impact on organizations, communities, or policy
- Contributes to ethical leadership, inclusive development, and systems transformation
- These projects span diverse domains, from agribusiness and education reform to digital governance and sustainable architecture, and are showcased through:
- Impact briefs and executive summaries
- Peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
- Policy dialogues and stakeholder roundtables
Innovation Labs
- ACD-SAR hosts transdisciplinary innovation labs that serve as collaborative spaces for ideation, prototyping, and co-creation. These labs:
- Bring together doctoral candidates, industry mentors, and community stakeholders
- Apply design thinking, systems mapping, and agile methodologies
- Support the development of scalable solutions, including:
- - Digital governance platforms
- - Climate-smart agritech tools
- - Inclusive education models
- - Creative economy ventures
- Innovation labs are embedded within our blended learning model, allowing candidates to test and refine their ideas in real-world contexts.
Knowledge Hub
Our Knowledge Hub is a dynamic, open-access repository that amplifies the voices and insights of practitioner-researchers. It includes:
| Resource Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Policy Briefs | Translate research findings into actionable recommendations for decision-makers |
| Case Studies | Document successful interventions, failures, and lessons learned |
| Working Papers | Share emerging ideas and conceptual frameworks for peer feedback |
| Toolkits & Guides | Provide practical resources for implementation and capacity building |
| Multimedia Content | Feature podcasts, webinars, and video explainers to democratize access |
The Knowledge Hub is designed to foster knowledge democracy, enabling cross-sectoral learning and evidence-based policymaking across Africa and beyond.