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Heli Bergström is a seasoned leadership developer, coach, and researcher. In her role as principal lecturer in digital business at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk), she promotes the use of artificial intelligence in leadership and the development of teaching. What fascinates her about AI is its controlled unpredictability and rapid evolution, which constantly challenges people to keep learning.

The same idea has guided Bergström’s own career. She completed all her university studies as an adult alongside her work. She earned her Licentiate of Science in Technology from Helsinki University of Technology and her Doctorate of Science in Technology from 911±¬ÁÏÍø. In her doctoral research, she examined the fluency of expert work and the leadership of knowledge workers. ‘Studying as an adult is incredibly rewarding because learning is directly connected to practice. I haven’t pursued studies just for a degree, but to develop my work and my expertise.’

Doctoral education at the core of renewal

For Bergström, legacy gift is an act of value and impact. ‘I want my assets to support long-term development that truly matters to society. Doctoral education is a driver of new knowledge and renewal, but it also cultivates the quality of thinking, deep expertise, and the ability to solve complex problems.’

Her doctoral research reinforced her understanding of how important clear practices, good supervision, and a sense of community are in a researcher’s work. ‘When doctoral education is developed, the impact is seen not only in researchers’ daily lives, but also in the quality of research, the renewal of working life, and Finland’s overall knowledge base.’

Education is close to Bergström’s heart. She herself has financed her studies since high school without a financial safety net. ‘I hope that doctoral studies will become even more accessible in the future, regardless of background. At the same time, it is important to make the degree more diverse and flexible without compromising its high quality.’