Jo Knutsen
Strategic AI Implementation & Knowledge Systems Design
Helping Universities & Organizations Build AI-Powered Knowledge Systems with Precision, Integrity, and Practical Execution.
Who I Am
& What I Do
A former CIO at a Business School and a Senior Director/Advisor at Gartner (for digital transformation and technology implementation), specialized over time in designing and implementing AI-powered knowledge retrieval systems, with a focus on custom Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).
I work with universities, research institutions, and corporate organizations in the Nordics to help them adopt AI responsibly, ensuring their systems are accurate, secure, and aligned with organizational needs.
Although the servicers I am hired for are often grouped under "consulting", I don't just advise—I work hands-on with institutions to structure, implement, and integrate AI knowledge systems. Together, we make sure to bridge the gap between strategy, governance, and technical execution.
NB - While I can offer some guidance, I do not build models or code systems myself. Instead, I work directly with technical teams to ensure the AI adoption is practical, structured, and governed responsibly.
My Services:
AI Knowledge System Implementation for Higher Education & Industry
1. AI-Powered Knowledge Retrieval & (C)RAG Implementation
For universities, research institutions, and corporations that need AI-assisted knowledge retrieval.
1
Designing custom RAG & CRAG implementations
Tailored to your institution's needs.
2
Structuring knowledge retrieval workflows
For students, researchers, and professionals.
3
Ensuring AI-generated responses are sourced, cited, and reliable
Not just LLM-generated text.
4
Integrating AI knowledge assistants
With existing systems (library databases, research repositories, internal knowledge bases).
5
Defining governance frameworks
For AI-driven research and corporate knowledge use.
Who This Is For:
- University libraries & research institutions implementing AI-powered academic search tools.
- Corporations building AI-driven internal knowledge retrieval (for legal, HR, compliance, or customer support).
- Government agencies structuring AI-assisted information access.
2. AI System Deployment & Organizational Readiness
Ensuring AI systems are built on strong infrastructure and aligned with institutional capabilities.
1
Aligning AI deployments with IT and security policies
GDPR, data privacy, compliance.
2
Advising on technical infrastructure needs
Vector databases, retrieval pipelines, authentication, API integrations.
3
Facilitating collaboration between external developers and in-house IT teams
4
Designing AI authentication & user management systems
SSO, role-based access control.
Who This Is For:
- Universities & companies without AI-specialized IT teams who need structured technical planning & external development oversight.
- Organizations needing GDPR-compliant AI adoption strategies.
- Institutions working with third-party AI providers and requiring governance on API-based AI interactions.
3. AI Strategy & Implementation Roadmaps
Helping institutions build an AI knowledge strategy that scales beyond a single pilot project.
1
Mapping AI use cases across an organization
To ensure alignment with research, teaching, or corporate goals.
2
Structuring phased AI adoption strategies
From pilot projects to full institutional integration.
3
Identifying necessary governance policies
AI bias mitigation, academic integrity, corporate compliance.
4
Ensuring AI investments are practical
Structured, and lead to sustainable improvements.
Who This Is For:
- Universities planning long-term AI knowledge infrastructure beyond individual experiments.
- Corporations integrating AI into enterprise knowledge systems & decision support.
- Organizations requiring AI policy frameworks to manage system access, permissions, and ethical AI usage.
4. AI Interaction Design & User Experience in Knowledge Retrieval
Designing AI interactions that prioritize user needs, transparency, and trust.
Structuring AI-human interactions
To ensure AI acts as e.g. a research assistant, not an unverified answer generator.
Implementing AI guardrails
E.g. sourced citations over free-text AI answers.
Designing UI/UX for AI knowledge tools
Research assistants, internal knowledge hubs, chatbot interfaces.
Testing AI response accuracy & refining retrieval logic
Based on user behavior and librarian/faculty input.
Who This Is For:
- Universities building student- and faculty-facing AI knowledge tools.
- Companies deploying AI-powered internal knowledge systems.
- Institutions needing structured user feedback loops to refine AI interactions.
How I Work with Organizations
1
Not a consultant, rather an implementation partner
I work alongside leadership, IT teams, and external developers to build structured AI systems that serve real institutional needs.
2
Structured, responsible AI adoption
Together, we define clear boundaries, governance rules, and technical best practices to ensure AI is reliable and aligned with organizational goals.
3
Tailored engagement models based on your need
Whether you need a hands-on project lead, a structured implementation plan, workshop facilitator, coach, or expert advisory, I offer flexible engagement models to support your team in a way that fits your capacity and budget.
Typical Engagement Models
Implementation Leadership (Hands-On Project Execution, x% Contract)
For institutions that need an AI knowledge system implemented and structured with hands-on leadership.
Time Commitment: x hours per week (x days per month).
Role: Lead AI deployment, coordinate IT teams, facilitate knowledge transfer.
AI Implementation Blueprint (One-Time Strategy Deliverable)
For institutions that need a structured roadmap but will handle execution internally.
Time Commitment: Deliverable by date, fixed fee.
Deliverables:
- Custom AI knowledge system strategy.
- Governance, compliance, and technical architecture recommendations.
- Phased implementation roadmap.
On-Demand AI Advisory & Strategic Support
For institutions needing occasional AI knowledge system expertise.
Time Commitment: Hourly engagement, hourly fee.
Services include:
- AI adoption strategy workshops.
- Governance policy development.
- Technical review of AI retrieval pipelines.
- Interaction design hands-on workshops.
Why Work With Me?
—
Practical, no-nonsense AI implementation
No vague "digital transformation" talk. I focus on what's practical, achievable, and aligned with your institutional needs.
—
Bridging AI strategy, governance, and implementation
I ensure AI adoption is structured, ethical, and scalable—not just a technical experiment.
—
Deep experience in AI-powered knowledge systems
Former University CIO, Senior Analyst, AI product director and developer, seasoned expertise in AI adoption for knowledge management.
—
Nordic higher education & corporate experience
I understand the specific challenges in Scandinavian universities, corporate settings, and research institutions.
Next Steps & How to Engage
If your organization is exploring (C)RAG implementation, let's discuss how I can support you.
1
Initial Consultation
Free, 30 minutes → Identify needs & project scope.
2
Choose engagement model
Implementation Leadership, Blueprint, or Advisory.
3
Formalize engagement
Define deliverables, timeline, and contract terms.
Let's build AI-powered knowledge systems that work—intelligently, securely, and with purpose.