Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution (HEI) is enhancing its research capacity by collaborating with internationally recognised researchers. Among them is the charismatic Dr Ioseb Gabelaia, a scholar and lecturer who has enriched the Faculty of Business community with his expertise and insights. Having recently defended his second doctoral dissertation – this time in the field of education – Dr Gabelaia opens new perspectives for innovative teaching and advanced research at Kauno kolegija HEI.
Dr Gabelaia’s journey to Kauno kolegija HEI began many years ago in Belgium, where, while conducting an academic project, he established connections with colleagues from Lithuania. This professional contact gradually grew into a strong collaboration, ultimately leading the researcher to the Faculty of Business. Here, he not only teaches but also actively conducts research. ‘The institution’s progressive approach to education, openness to innovation, and commitment to research excellence made it an ideal environment for me to contribute,’ says Dr Gabelaia, expressing his fondness for Kaunas itself.
An unstoppable curiosity led to education
Although Dr Gabelaia already held a PhD in Business Administration, his intellectual curiosity and keen interest in learning analytics and interdisciplinary research motivated him to pursue another doctoral dissertation – in education. ‘My motivation for pursuing a Doctor of Education stemmed from my deep interest in learning analytics and interdisciplinary research. While my DBA provided a strong foundation in business and management, I realised that understanding how faculty engage with digital tools and pedagogical analytics was crucial for shaping the future of Education. My research in learning analytics adoption connects Education, technology, and business strategy, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to academia and corporate training environments,’ explains Dr Gabelaia.
A dissertation that changed perspectives on faculty preparedness
His dissertation, titled ‘Examining Pedagogical Analytical and Digital Literacy in Higher Education: Predicting Faculty’s Readiness for and Adoption of Learning Analytics’ marked a true breakthrough. The research thoroughly analysed faculty readiness and the process of adopting learning analytics in higher education institutions. Key findings revealed that educators’ digital literacy and pedagogical analytical competencies directly influence their willingness and ability to integrate learning analytics into everyday teaching.
Based on these significant findings, Drs Gabelaia developed the PADL (Pedagogical Analytics and Digital Literacy) theory and index – an innovative system designed to objectively assess and predict faculty readiness to implement learning analytics. The unique nature and value of this research are confirmed by the author’s intellectual property rights to the PADL index. He has also initiated a book publishing project and is currently intensively developing a practical programme for implementing the PADL theory and index in real educational settings.
Dr Gabelaia is confident that the PADL index can become a solid and structured foundation for faculty development not only at Kauno kolegija HEI but also in other higher education institutions. On a broader scale, this system has the potential to become a global project supporting faculty preparedness for the inevitable digital transformation in higher education. ‘By further developing this tool, I aim to provide data-driven insights that can shape faculty training programmes and institutional policies on adopting learning analytics. I believe this is going to be a huge tool not only for faculty but for students as well,’ emphasises the researcher.
A broad spectrum of research interests at Kauno kolegija HEI
Dr Gabelaia’s main activity at Kauno kolegija HEI is closely tied to scientific research. His areas of interest are broad and include the application of artificial intelligence in marketing, digital transformation, and the challenges of the modern labor market. ‘Being interdisciplinary is an advantage, but I also enjoy doing research,’ reveals Dr Gabelaia. He has conducted significant studies on AI-powered sentiment analysis in corporate communication, the role of AI and Design Thinking in innovation management, Marketing’s dual function in shaping consumer desires and constructing contemporary needs, Digital transformation strategies for businesses, Modern slavery in the gig economy and its ethical implications and more.
Additionally, Dr Gabelaia leads a nine-member research group ‘Innovative Marketing and Communication Solutions,’ operating at the Kauno kolegija HEI Faculty of Business. This interdisciplinary group, called ‘Digital Transformation and Communication,’ provides scientific research services to businesses and organisations. The researchers specialise in assessing digital maturity, analysing the application of digital tools in organisational activities, evaluating employees’ digital competencies, and developing improvement plans. They also conduct consumer behaviour studies (including pricing, loyalty, and purchasing habits), market analysis prior to launching new products or services, brand awareness and positioning research, competitive environment analysis, and identification of the most effective – especially digital – communication channels for businesses.
Currently, Dr Gabelaia actively participates in several interdisciplinary studies integrating AI, marketing, psychology, and digital communication strategies, aiming to optimise both business and academic processes.
The role of students in modern education: partnership and growth
Dr Gabelaia highly values the motivation of Kauno kolegija HEI students to learn and their ability to analyse and solve real-world business challenges. ‘Students of Faculty of Business are highly adaptable, which allows for dynamic discussions, problem-solving activities, and critical thinking exercises. Seeing them develop strategic skills and apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios is incredibly rewarding,’ shares the lecturer.
Dr Gabelaia’s teaching philosophy is based on applied learning, real business case analysis, and experiential education. He is a strong advocate of the Harvard Business Case Method, which allows students to delve into real business situations, discuss diverse perspectives, and develop data-driven strategies. Moreover, he actively integrates design thinking, Agile methodologies, and various digital tools into his lectures to strengthen students’ problem-solving and decision-making skills. The researcher himself holds certifications in Design Thinking and Six Sigma to enhance his teaching methods and programmes even further.
Balancing roles across three institutions and a vision for the future
Alongside his work at Kauno kolegija HEI, Dr Gabelaia also successfully teaches marketing, innovation and change management, and AI applications in business at Graceland University (USA) and RISEBA (Latvia). ‘Balancing work and personal life is challenging, especially when living and working across multiple time zones. However, I see it as an exciting and fulfilling experience, the key is effective time management, prioritization, and maintaining a passion for what I do,’ says the researcher.
Currently, Dr Gabelaia is writing a book exploring the complex relationship between AI marketing and psychological conditioning. Although he has no immediate plans for a third doctoral dissertation, he intends to continue developing his research, especially the promising PADL index, deepen his knowledge of AI, digital transformation, and the gig economy, actively contribute to significant academic publications and international conferences, and support initiatives that successfully connect academic research with practical applications in the real world. His fundamental goal remains the same: to promote positive change, foster innovation, and contribute to meaningful initiatives through his scientific work.
From science to business: research creating value
Holding two doctoral degrees – in business administration and education – Dr Gabelaia and his research group offer businesses a broad spectrum of applied research and data-driven insights. Based on the PADL theory and index, the researchers can assess and predict not only faculty but also organisational employees’ readiness to adopt digital technologies and analytical solutions.
Moreover, the research group conducts interdisciplinary studies combining artificial intelligence, marketing, corporate communication, business digital transformation, and even modern slavery in the gig economy – helping companies optimize strategies and adapt to a dynamic, digitised reality.
