A Knowledge Enterprise Spinout from Cambridge
About Us
Human-centred AI adoption grounded
in research, policy, and practice
Who We Are
The Cambridge Global Knowledge Nexus (CGKN) is an independent knowledge enterprise dedicated to the human-centred adoption of generative AI. Led by Dr. Steve Watson from the University of Cambridge, we help organisations evolve with technology rather than react to it.
Connecting research, policy, and real-world application to transform academic insight into actionable frameworks that strengthen decision-making and institutional resilience. Our work spans education, health, business, and governance — anywhere AI is reshaping how people learn, work, and participate in society.
Who is behind Cambridge Global Knowledge Nexus
Prof.Steven Watson
Co-Founder
University of Cambridge – Author of Autopoietic Ecology, focusing on AI and education; co-develops the frameworks that guide CGKN’s work.
Alistair Starling
Co-Founder
European Diplomats – Formed UK Diplomat, bringing experience in international negotiation, education system and large scale partnerships
Dr. Erik Brezovec
Co-Founder
University of Zagreb – Sociologist and theorist, contributing the analysis of how institutions and societies adapt to new technologies.
Kai Takkis
Head of Operations/ Operations Manager
European Diplomats – Project managers with working experience both in public and private sector. With qualification in English, Philology, Teacher Training and Translation, she has years of experience in operating and managing her own translation company.
Melisa Baykut
Head of Government Affairs
European Diplomats – Expert in B2G consulting and AI security, linking Cambridge Global Knowledge Nexus work to concrete policy and regulatory conversation
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how people learn, work, and participate in society. This is not a tech problem. It’s a governance problem. A trust problem. A question of who gets to shape the future.
Dr. Steven Watson
Our Foundation: Autopoietic Ecology
Autopoietic ecology is a way of understanding systems — like institutions, conversations, or ecosystems — not as fixed structures, but as living processes that keep themselves going. The word autopoietic means “self-making.”
This is a systems framework developed by Prof. Steven Watson and Dr. Erik Brezovec at Cambridge. It holds that systems do not change through rules imposed from above,but when the people within them can observe their own practices and make new choices. A school is a living community, continuously regenerating itself through daily decisions, teaching, learning, assessment, and belonging. AI does not fix or break this on its own. However, how a school integrates AI can either strengthen or erode the relationships that make learning possible. For funders, this matters because when we work with supported projects, we are building the reflective capacity communities need to integrate AI in ways that deepen trust, participation, and learning
Born Between Three Nations
United Kingdom
Global Trust
Legal strength and recognition among policymakers, funders, and global institutions. Our Cambridge foundation provides academic credibility and institutional trust.
Croatia
Knowledge Exchange
Connecting cutting-edge research with applied innovation. Our Croatian operations serve as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge transfer.
Estonia
Digital Execution
Agile, transparent AI implementation, ideal for working with governments seeking tech-enabled transformation. Estonia’s digital-first infrastructure is our launchpad.
Our Mission
Our mission at Cambridge Global Knowledge Nexus is to develop human-centred approaches to integrating generative AI into education, health, and business. We aim to empower individuals and organizations by enhancing creativity, decision-making, and collaboration while prioritizing ethics and human values. Through innovative applications, we strive to improve outcomes, streamline processes, and connect technology with humanity, shaping a future where AI drives progress and respects individual dignity.
Public Trust, Legitimacy & Governance Design
We can support public institutions to rethink engagement, participation, and accountability in volatile contexts.
Generative AI & Institutional Intelligence
We can guide the integration of AI in ways that enhance, not erode, organisation purpose, judgement, and human-centred values.
Innovating Cultures & Systemic Change
We can assist organisations in building adaptive cultures that support experimentation, learning, and long-term transformation.
Inclusion, Learning & Curriculum Transformation
Creating more inclusive, equitable, and reflexive learning environments.
Ready to Shape the Future Together?
contact@cambridgeglobalknowledge.co.uk