CIAS Inn: his goal is to establish research networks on Corvinus

Please, tell me about your research field and papers you are currently working on. 

I am currently working on with multiple research projects and papers. The work at Corvinus Institute for Advanced Studies (CIAS) relates to retail digitalization. It is based on four separate, but conceptually related research projects. Projects 1 and 2 are based on collaboration with Finnish and foreign researchers, while projects 3 and 4 are based on collaboration with researchers from Corvinus University of Budapest and two nationally awarded research projects in Hungary. Project 1 examines the role of time spent on consumer behavior in a 360-virtual store and how these effects vary across different shopping motives. Project 2 builds upon the concept of customer experience and examines how haptic devices in an online retail environment influence customer experience across products with different haptic properties. Project 3 focuses on consumer omnichannel adoption in retailing and examines the factors that affect consumers’ omnichannel experience and behavior and how this affects the performance of retail companies. Project 4 examines how artificial intelligence-based technology changes the production and use of retail services. 

How did you hear about the CIAS fellowship program?   

I heard about the CIAS fellowship program from my colleagues at Corvinus University who recommended me to apply.

Why did you choose Hungary as the location for your current research? What could the country and CIAS add to your work? Why was this opportunity attractive to you?

I have had 15 years of cooperation with Corvinus University. Until now, the cooperation has mostly been related to teaching. The CIAS fellowship offers me the opportunity to expand cooperation to research as well. The CIAS fellowship also offers me the opportunity to learn about the operations of an internationally recognized business school outside my home country of Finland. This has been truly rewarding. 

How long have you been in CIAS? What did you expect from this period? Did the time you spent in Hungary meet your expectations? 

My CIAS fellowship started as of 1st of September 2024. My goal was to deepen my collaboration with Corvinus University, build new relations, and establish research networks. So far, my expectations have been fully met and I look forward to the further development of research cooperation. 

What did you like most about Budapest? How did you spend your free time in the city? 

I really like the contrasting vibe of Budapest, where gorgeous historic buildings meet trendy ruined bars. The public transport is the best I have seen and very affordable – it is a real act for sustainability. 

What is your hobby? 

I enjoy going spinning. I also do cross-country skiing and alpine skiing.