New research project explores how AI is reshaping work and leadership

“Our project tackles a pressing global challenge: the need for research backed insights, and guidance on how to harness AI to transform work, leadership, and collaboration where humans remain in the core”, says Associate Professor Emma Nordbäck at Hanken School of Economics.

Nordbäck and Associate Professor Niina Nurmi from Aalto University serve as the principal investigators of the two-year project Human-AI Collaboration and Leadership - Shaping the Future of Work. Hanken’s share of the project is approximately EUR 457 530.

“Research shows that while AI offers leaders unprecedented opportunities for better efficiency and decision-making, it also presents significant challenges - such as maintaining the human-to-human connections and positive emotions that are essential for healthy relational dynamics and well-being at work”, says Nordbäck.

Thirty of the biggest Finnish organisations will participate in the study, in addition to Futurice, Kemira, Terveystalo, Cinia, The NextGen Project Oy, Maria 01, Tekniikan Akateemiset (TEK), The Work 2030 Program, and The Finnish Association of Work Life Research. The project also welcomes additional partners who are interested in learning more about this topic. 

“By deepening our understanding of AI and humans at work, this project will help Finnish organisations build the capabilities needed to integrate AI in ways that strengthen human and social capabilities”, says Nordbäck.

The project team at Hanken (pictured above) consists of Emma Nordbäck, University Lecturer Hertta Vuorenmaa, and Doctoral Researcher Leyla Yacine. 

Text: Jessica Gustafsson
Photo: Gustaf Hafström