Accredited Academic Institution (AAI)

Achieving Accredited Academic Institution – AAI™ status is a strategic milestone that elevates your institution’s academic reputation both locally and internationally. This exclusive certification is awarded by BDA to universities and colleges that demonstrate excellence in curriculum design, faculty competence, and measurable impact of research and academic outputs in the field of business development. The accreditation officially recognizes your institution’s alignment with the BDABoK® framework—defining core competencies and best practices in organizational growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The AAI™ accreditation opens the door to BDA’s global academic network, offering opportunities for joint research, collaborative training, and academic exchange. It also enhances your appeal to international students and top-tier faculty. Upon completing a comprehensive evaluation using the digital BDAAT tool, your institution receives a formal digital and printed certificate, along with the official AAI™ badge that can be displayed on your website, brochures, and promotional materials to highlight your academic distinction. The accreditation comes with ongoing support from BDA, including annual performance reports and tailored development recommendations to ensure continuous improvement and educational excellence throughout the accreditation cycle.

Status
Available year-round – The evaluation process begins once the application is submitted and the initial accreditation fee is paid. Annual renewal requires submission of a brief performance report and payment of the designated renewal fee to maintain active accreditation status.