Kenan Institute research, consulting and educational initiatives focus on turning knowledge into solutions that drive economic and business growth and prosperity.
Aerotropolis development — Institute director John D. Kasarda developed the “aerotropolis concepts.” He and his team work with communities around the world to transform airports and their surrounding areas into economic engines.
Business Across Borders — UNC Kenan-Flagler students and business people examine issues involved in conducting business successfully in markets worldwide in this institute program, organized by Kenan Institute Leadership Fellows and supported in part by the Center for International Business Education and Research.
Business Growth Initiative — A new Institute initiative helps communities identify high-potential companies and support their growth, a key and often-overlooked asset for local economic development.
Carolina Challenge — UNC students, faculty and staff compete with their ideas for new businesses and nonprofits in this annual business plan competition, created and funded in part by the Kenan Institute, now a student-led UNC venture-creation program.
Launching the Venture — Team of UNC students, faculty and staff who are serious and ready to launch new commercial and nonprofits ventures get help market testing their ideas and taking them to market in this UNC Kenan-Flagler program, supported in part by the institute.
Next Generation — A three-year series of conferences hosted by the institute with the UNC Center for International Business Education and Research prepare “next-generation” business leaders and scholars who are focused on innovation in global business practices.
Union Independent School — Urban Investment Strategies Center Director Jim Johnson’s vision and research provides the framework for this new school in northeast-central Durham, N.C. that is educating inner-city children for the global economy.