Ksenija Lāce has more than 20 years of experience in the field of information technology. Working in large software development companies, she became convinced that one of the most challenging business processes is often corporate mergers and acquisitions. Seeking ways to make these processes smarter and more efficient, Ksenija returned to academia after a break of more than ten years and began doctoral studies. Today, she continues to develop this line of research through her postdoctoral project.
One of the most complex tasks during corporate mergers is integrating different information systems. Each company typically has its own software, data structures, and business processes designed to meet specific needs. When these systems need to be used together, it often becomes clear that they are not easily compatible. Moreover, many professionals involved in such projects find themselves working on them without specialized training or prior experience. If integration is not carefully planned and implemented, it can cause significant disruptions to business operations, delay projects, and even result in substantial financial losses.
To address this challenge, Ksenija developed a methodology during her doctoral research that helps professionals approach information system integration in a structured way—understanding which systems should be integrated, in what sequence, and how to make well-informed decisions throughout a complex process. Her doctoral dissertation was successfully defended, but the research did not stop there. The next step was to find ways to apply these ideas in real-world business environments.
Experience gained from working with companies showed that the methodology was considered highly valuable. However, in today’s workplace, people often look for solutions that are intuitive and do not require extensive study. Therefore, the next step was to transform the methodology into a digital solution—an application that enables learning through practice. This idea became the focus of Ksenija’s postdoctoral research. The solution incorporates gamification elements, allowing users to experiment with different decisions in a safe environment and immediately see the consequences.
“It is similar to flight simulators used by pilots—before making decisions in real-life situations, you have the opportunity to test them in a safe environment,” the researcher explains.
Ksenija’s interest in information technology began in childhood. Her mother managed a computing center and once took her to see the large computers housed there—machines that, through a child’s eyes, seemed almost from another world. The experience left a lasting impression and, as it later turned out, influenced her future career choice.
“I was about four years old when I first saw a computing center. These were enormous computers that occupied entire rooms, and I found them incredibly fascinating. I think that was the moment I realized I wanted to be close to this world,” she recalls.
Even today, after more than twenty years in the industry, Ksenija feels that IT is exactly where she belongs. In her view, it is the dynamic nature of the field that makes it so exciting.
“It is an industry that is constantly changing. Every year, even every month, new technologies, new ideas, and new solutions emerge. That means you never stop learning.”
Returning to academia after a long break, Ksenija was pleasantly surprised by how much the research environment had evolved. Today, researchers have far greater opportunities to collaborate internationally, exchange ideas, and work together to solve complex problems.
“Today, borders practically do not exist. There are so many opportunities to collaborate with colleagues in other countries, meet industry professionals, and develop ideas together. It is very inspiring because you realize that you are not alone in your research—you are part of a larger community working to solve different challenges,” she says.
For this reason, Ksenija encourages others, especially young people, not to be afraid of pursuing a research career. She believes that the most important thing is to find a question that genuinely interests you.
“If you are working on a topic you are truly passionate about, then even in the most difficult moments you will have the motivation to continue. Science requires patience, but it also brings tremendous satisfaction because you know you are trying to solve a problem for which there is no ready-made answer.”
In her view, science is not only an academic activity but also a way of thinking that helps people approach problems systematically and develop new solutions.
“Science is essentially a process through which we try to understand the world and find ways to make it better. Many things we take for granted today—technologies, medical solutions, innovations—once began with a simple question: could we do this differently?”
Looking to the future, Ksenija sees her path between two worlds: academia and the business sector. She believes that this intersection is where the greatest potential for innovation emerges.
“I find it extremely valuable to stand between industry and academia. That way, you stay connected to the real-world challenges companies face every day, while also being able to apply scientific approaches to develop new solutions,” she says. “It is precisely where practical experience and research meet that the most interesting ideas are often born.”
The Postdoctoral Research Programme in Latvia is implemented with co-financing from the European Union Funds. The programme aims to develop the skills of early-career researchers, strengthen their scientific capacity, and provide opportunities to launch research careers in scientific institutions and companies, thereby supporting the renewal of research human resources and increasing the number of qualified researchers in Latvia. Measure 1.1.1.9 “Postdoctoral Research” (2024–2029) is administered by the Latvian Council of Science.
More information about the programme is available at: www.lzp.gov.lv/lv/pecdoktoranturas-programma
This story was created with the support of the European Union Funds.
