The Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) is a South African government initiative with a specific aim of improving the competitiveness of the local aeronautics-, space-, defence and marine advanced manufacturing sectors.

The AISI takes its strategic direction from government’s objectives with a specific emphasis on industrialisation of technology and technology-based supplier development. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) utilises the CSIR and its position in the National System of Innovation (NSI) as an independent, strategic directed R&D entity to give industry access to national expertise and infrastructure in order to improve its capabilities and offerings.

AISI Vision

To position South African aerospace- and defence- and marine related manufacturing industry as a global leader, in niche areas.

AISI Mission

To enhance the global competitiveness of the South African aerospace, defence and marine manufacturing industry by:

  • Developing relevant industry focused capabilities and facilitate associated transfer of technology to industry;
  • Identifying, developing, supporting and promoting the interests and capabilities of the South African aerospace-, defence- and marine manufacturing industry;
  • Implementing industrial policies in support of Government strategic objectives including growth, employment, transformation and equity.

AISI Strategic Objectives

Reporting by the contracted service providers should reflect the KPIs of the AISI and the achievement of Government objectives. Service providers will be contracted to report on specific performance indicators with specific emphasis on achieving the AISI’s strategic objectives of:

  • Industry Transformation
  • Job Creation
  • Industrialisation of technologies

AISI Governance

The AISI is guided by an Executive Committee (EXCO) and an Operations Committee (OPCO). Projects are managed by the CSIR and strictly adhere to all Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) principles within the CSIR’s policy and procedural framework.