At DOBA University of Applied Sciences, we see artificial intelligence as an important driver of development in the modern higher education landscape, digital transformation and high-quality online education. Its introduction is therefore not taking place randomly, but as part of a broader reflection on the future of work, learning, student support and organisational efficiency.
In 2025 and 2026, we conducted internal surveys among employees on the use of artificial intelligence (AI). The aim was to gain insight into how employees use AI tools, how they assess their own competences, where they see the greatest benefits, and what kind of support they need for further development. A comparison of the results shows a clear shift: at DOBA UAS, AI is no longer primarily something new to experiment with, but is becoming a regular part of everyday work.
Last year’s survey showed that 89% of employees used AI at work at least occasionally, while 67% used it regularly. This year’s results indicate an even more pronounced shift: among completed responses in this year’s survey, the vast majority of employees report using AI regularly, while almost 90% use AI tools daily or several times a day. At the same time, self-assessed competence levels are also increasing. In 2025, 53% of employees rated themselves as advanced users and 16% as expert users; this year, 78% assess themselves as advanced or expert users. More than 80% of employees also report noticeable or very significant progress in their use of AI over the past year.
Employees use AI for a wide range of tasks: writing and editing texts, translation, summarising, document preparation, idea generation, data analysis, communication, preparing materials and supporting work processes. Increasingly, the use of AI is also expanding to the process level, particularly in automating routine tasks, preparing reports, analysing surveys, supporting students, creating promotional content and improving data transparency.
At the same time, it is important that employees do not view AI uncritically. Alongside its positive effects, they also highlight the importance of verifying the reliability of results, protecting data, using AI ethically and having clear institutional guidelines. This demonstrates a mature approach to AI use: AI is not seen as a substitute for professional judgement, but as a tool that, when used responsibly, can make an important contribution to the quality of work.
The example of DOBA University of Applied Sciences shows that artificial intelligence can be introduced into an educational institution gradually, responsibly and with a clear focus on development. The results confirm rising competence levels, more frequent and more professional use of AI, and a strong willingness among employees to continue developing in this area.
AI usage is not an end goal per se, but as a tool for improving the quality of work, making processes more efficient, providing better support to students and further developing online education.
