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Sustainable Urban Air Mobility and Innovation in Transport Systems

Dr. Tiansheng Yang is a Lecturer in Management at the University of South Wales, specialising in Urban Air Mobility (UAM), sustainable innovation, and marketing strategy. His research focuses on the societal, technological, and behavioural aspects of emerging transport systems, particularly the adoption and implementation of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles in smart cities.

His research originates from a PhD project centred on electric vehicle sharing systems and product-service transitions in the Yangtze River Delta, China. This foundation developed into a dedicated research agenda on UAM and its wider implications for sustainable city development, innovation policy, and consumer acceptance of high-tech mobility.

Tiansheng heads multiple UAM-focused research projects as Principal Investigator, supported by both internal and international funding. He has established a solid empirical foundation, including:

• Over 1,000 urban citizen survey responses on UAM perceptions
• Over 200 expert responses from industry, government, and academia
• Over 60 in-depth stakeholder interviews for his doctoral project.

His work combines cutting-edge research with practical applications, contributing to progress in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technologies, EV sharing systems, sustainable business models, machine learning/AI, and the internet of things.

His methodological expertise combines quantitative, qualitative, and computational approaches to tackle interdisciplinary challenges in sustainable mobility and innovation. 

Through interdisciplinary projects, Tiansheng collaborates with academic institutions, policymakers and industry leaders to tackle critical challenges in urban air mobility. He actively collaborates with academic, industry, and public sector partners across the UK, China, and Southeast Asia, and welcomes interdisciplinary research projects on:

• Smart and green urban mobility
• Innovation ecosystems and high-tech diffusion
• Behavioural adaptation and technology trust
• Low-altitude logistics and public services (e.g. air emergency medical service by using eVTOL)

Tiansheng’s research focuses on sustainable urban mobility and innovation policy, addressing critical challenges in integrating electric vehicles (EVs), connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs), and eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) technologies into urban environments. Guided by the principles of sustainability and technological innovation, his work bridges academic research and practical applications, aiming to shape the future of urban transport systems.

Teaching Expertise

Learning and Teaching Leadership
Tiansheng is an experienced academic in various research disciplines and a Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy (HEA). With a strong commitment to academic excellence, he has mentored and supervised postgraduate research students, guiding them to success in their dissertations and research projects.

Tiansheng has contributed to teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with expertise in modules such as:

• Strategic Analysis (MBA)
• Strategic Marketing
• Research Methods
• Consumer behaviour
• Public health management

He has also served as a Postgraduate Research (PGR) supervisor, fostering the next generation of scholars and equipping them with the skills to tackle real-world challenges in business and management.

Teaching Approach and Impact
Tiansheng’s teaching philosophy is rooted in combining academic theory with practical application, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills in his students.

Industry Expertise

Professional Experience Across Industries
Tiansheng has extensive experience outside academia, having worked in diverse sectors including:

• Automotive (Bosch Chassis Systems)
• Medical Devices (Ondal Medical Systems)
• Entrepreneurship (Founder and CEO of a medical device and advertising production company)
• Finance (Standard Chartered Bank)

These roles have allowed Tiansheng to develop expertise in strategic planning, supply chain management, project coordination, and global sales.