Researchers from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Poland recently visited North-West University (NWU) to strengthen an international research partnership exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the banking sector.
Hosted by NWU’s WorkWell Research Unit from 2 to 6 March 2026 at the Potchefstroom campus, the visit highlighted an important step in deepening global collaboration on digital banking and consumer behaviour. The Polish delegation included Professors Ewa Makowska and Barbara Józefowicz, specialists in Management Accounting and Business Excellence respectively, who engaged in a series of research discussions and collaborative sessions with NWU scholars. The programme was coordinated by Professors Ephrem Redda from WorkWell Research Unit and Marko van Deventer from the NWU School of Management Sciences.
At the heart of the visit was a joint project examining how banking customers in South Africa and Poland perceive and adopt AI-powered banking technologies. As banks increasingly use AI for fraud detection, customer support, and automated decision-making, understanding how users respond to these innovations is becoming more important than ever.
During their stay, the teams held intensive sessions to refine a comparative study investigating the factors that shape trust, attitudes, and behavioural intentions toward AI-enabled banking services. The goal is to understand how consumers in different economic and cultural contexts interact with these emerging technologies.
“This collaboration gives us a unique opportunity to explore how people engage with AI-driven banking systems and what influences their willingness to trust and adopt these technologies,” explained Prof Redda.
The visiting scholars also met with Prof Crizelle Els, research director of the WorkWell Research Unit, to discuss ways to expand cooperation between the two universities. The conversations focused on long-term academic partnerships and new opportunities for joint projects on digital transformation and organisational behaviour.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the global financial landscape. Banks are using AI to improve efficiency, personalise customer experiences, and enhance security. But technology alone is not enough, the success of these innovations depends on customer trust and acceptance.
This collaborative study aims to provide practical, evidence-based insights into how users perceive AI technologies and the factors that influence their adoption. By comparing findings from South Africa and Poland, the researchers hope to uncover patterns that can help financial institutions implement AI responsibly and effectively.
The visit also highlights NWU’s commitment to building strong international research networks and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration on emerging technologies. For the WorkWell Research Unit, the partnership represents a chance to contribute to global discussions about AI’s role in business and society.
As universities increasingly collaborate across borders to tackle complex technological challenges, initiatives like this show how international partnerships can drive innovation, strengthen knowledge exchange, and help shape the future of industries such as banking.
From left to right, Prof Ephrem Redda, WorkWell Research Unit, North-West University, Prof Ewa Makowska, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Prof Barbara Jozefowicz, Nicolaus Copernicus University and Prof Marko van Deventer, School of Management Sciences, North-West University
