Urban Knowledge Network Asia (UKNA)
The Urban Knowledge Network Asia is an inclusive network that brings together concerned scholars and practitioners engaged in collaborative research and events about cities in Asia.
Consisting of over 120 researchers with affiliations at numerous institutes across Asia, Europe and the United States, UKNA represents the largest global academic network on Asian cities of its kind. One of its key objectives is the nurturing of contextualised and policy-relevant knowledge on Asian cities. In particular, it aims to contribute insights that put people at the centre of urban governance and development strategies, led by its vision of 'human flourishing in Asian cities'.
2012-2016: Research exchanges focusing on China and India
In 2012, IIAS was awarded a grant from the European Union of € 1.25 million, enabling extensive research staff exchanges between its partners. Entitled 'Urban Knowledge Network Asia' (UKNA), this (four-year) IIAS-led programme consisted of a network of over 100 researchers from 17 partner institutes in Europe, China, India and the United States.
Until 2016, the network's focus was primarily on India and China. From, 2017, UKNA has expanded its orientation, among others to include urban development in Southeast Asia in the framework of the 'South East Asia Neighborhoods Network' (SEANNET).
2017-2020: Southeast Asia Neigborhoods Network (SEANNET)
This four-year initiative (2017-2020) is about research, teaching and dissemination of knowledge on Asia through the prism of the city and urban communities. SEANNET is organised as a platform of individuals and institutions under the coordination of IIAS with close working connections with the UKNA network. The programme is funded (2017-2020) by the Henry Luce Foundation in New York, USA.
More information: UKNA website