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.
Our team
Prof.Steven Watson
Co-Founder
Steven Watson is an Associate Professor at the University of Cambridge and co-founder of CGKN. His research explores the philosophy and sociology of technology, with a focus on how generative AI reshapes organisations, education systems, and decision-making.
Steven brings deep expertise in systems theory, cybernetics, and organisational learning, the intellectual foundation of CGKN's methodology.
He leads the development of CGKN's research frameworks and works closely with institutions to translate complex theory into practical pathways for responsible AI adoption.
Alistair Starling
Co-Founder
Alistair Starling is a former UK diplomat and co-founder of CGKN. His career spans international negotiation, education systems, and the design of large-scale partnerships across the public and private sectors.
At CGKN, Alistair brings this diplomatic and institutional experience to bear on how the organisation builds and sustains relationships with ministries, councils, and international partners, helping ensure that CGKN's research translates into durable, real-world engagement.
Dr. Erik Brezovec
Co-Founder
Erik Brezovec is a researcher specialising in the science of generative AI in education. His work spans policy, pedagogy, and the socio-technical dynamics of AI adoption.
At CGKN, Erik supports research synthesis, policy analysis, and the development of evidence-based guidance for institutions navigating AI-related change.
David Sorrentino
Client & Partnership Lead
David Sorrentino connects organisations' needs with CGKN's services. With a background in public-sector strategy, international partnerships, and organisational development, David helps translate CGKN's research into clear, practical engagements.
He leads relationship-driven outreach to ministries, councils, universities, and networks, and supports sponsorship development for CGKN-led events and conferences.
Melisa Baykut
Head of Government Affairs
Melisa Baykut is an expert in business-to-government consulting and AI security, with a focus on connecting research to the realities of policy and regulation.
At CGKN, Melisa leads engagement on government affairs, helping translate the organisation's frameworks into concrete conversations with policymakers and regulators, and ensuring that CGKN's guidance holds up against real regulatory and security considerations.
Kai Takkis
Head of Operations/ Operations Manager
Kai Takkis is CGKN's Head of Operations, with experience managing projects across both the public and private sectors. She holds qualifications in English, Philology, Teacher Training, and Translation, and spent several years running her own translation company before moving into operations management.
At CGKN, Kai oversees the delivery and coordination of the organisation's programmes, ensuring that workshops, research initiatives, and partnerships run smoothly from planning through to execution.
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