Heléne Lundberg

Tell us about Heléne Lundberg.

I am originally from Ångermanland but obtained my economics degree from the Stockholm School of Economics. I then worked in various positions in the business sector, first in Stockholm and later in Sundsvall. I love learning new things and took some courses alongside my work and while on parental leave. That's how I came into contact with the then Mitthögskolan (Mid Sweden University) and became interested in working as a teacher. This eventually led to the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree, and since then, I have been hooked on this work. In my free time, I enjoy playing golf in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter. I also find languages fascinating, and my current project is learning German. In recent years, I have developed a great passion for ballet – Alexander Ekman is my favorite choreographer!

Describe your research.

A common denominator in my research is business collaborations, both those initiated by the companies themselves and those stimulated on a regional basis through various networking initiatives. I also study businesses' internationalization processes and the role of relationships and networks in this context. Finally, I am interested in the unique situation of family businesses.

What sparked your interest in this field?

I pursued my doctorate in Uppsala, which has been a hub for research on business relationships. The prevailing notion was that companies are always tough competitors, but researchers from Uppsala were involved in a major study that showed how business collaborations are often a crucial success factor. These collaborations typically occur with customers and/or suppliers but can also involve competitors. Gaining insight into this was exciting and left me wanting more.

Why is your research needed?

The aim is for the results to guide both business leaders and those who want to support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises. It also provides a foundation for teaching.

How do you allocate your time between research and teaching?

Currently, there is a slight emphasis on research, but I also have administrative responsibilities.

Dream scenario in terms of the job?

A significant research grant would be nice, but I'm quite content if things continue as they are now.