Exploring the intersection of
Artificial Intelligence and Human Creativity.
Developer. Researcher. Speaker.
Professional Profile
I work at the intersection of software engineering, language technology, and responsible AI. As an IT professional, researcher, and speaker, I focus on making advanced AI practical and understandable, both for technical audiences and for decision-makers who need clarity rather than hype.
I hold a Master’s degree in Software Engineering from the IT University of Copenhagen, specializing in artificial intelligence and language technology, and I have expanded that foundation with studies in cognitive semantics and analytical language philosophy. My work is grounded in a simple observation: unlike large language models, humans use language as an imperfect surface for a rich internal experience, and that gap matters when we design systems that support real decisions.
In my day-to-day role as Chief AI Officer at Context&, I lead AI development and AI-driven innovation across enterprise contexts, including applied machine learning, language model-based solutions, data strategy, software delivery, and cross-functional project leadership.
Recognition & Public Service (selected excerpts)
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Microsoft MVP, Azure AI Services and Trustworthy AI Since 2024
Recognized for community leadership and real-world expertise, with an emphasis on secure, scalable adoption of Azure AI Services and language model-based systems.
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Vice Chair and now Chair, ITB NewTech Policy Board Since 2023
Focused on practical and ethical use of generative AI, and on translating emerging technologies into concrete proposals and public debate in Denmark.
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Committee on Digital Commerce, Danish ICT Industry Association 2020–2023
Worked with industry peers to promote practical adoption of emerging technologies and to connect digital strategy with measurable business outcomes.
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Member, European AI Alliance Since 2019
Contributing to discussions on trustworthy AI and practical guidance for responsible deployment at the EU level.
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Advisory Board, Danish Disruption Task Force 2018–2020
Supported public-sector adoption of digital and technological innovation, including sharing best practices across ministries and challenging outdated assumptions.
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Member, Danish Data Ethics Task Force 2018
Appointed by the Danish government to help shape recommendations on responsible data use as a competitive advantage for Danish organizations.
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Member, SIRI Commission 2017–2018
Contributed to public work on how AI and digital disruption affect society and the labor market, including implications for skills and public services.
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IT Talent of the Year 2017
Recognized for visionary, prizewinning AI-driven solutions and for communicating complex technology in a way that broadens real adoption.
For a detailed timeline of roles, talks, and publications, please visit my LinkedIn profile.
AI Research
My research combines analytical language philosophy, cognitive semantics, ontology engineering, and artificial intelligence. It explores a human-centered approach to AI reasoning and meaning-making, with an emphasis on interpretability, verification, and the limits of language as a representation of lived experience.
The work is expressed as a research line: an earlier framework paper that connects Wittgenstein-style language philosophy to ontology engineering, and a newer paper that turns the framework into a concrete architecture for reasoning beyond free-text chain-of-thought.
Validated by Berkeley University, the original paper lays the conceptual foundation: how meaning, category formation, and “world models” can be treated as engineered structures rather than vague metaphors. It links analytical language philosophy and cognitive semantics to practical ontology engineering for AI systems that need transparent, inspectable meaning structures.
This paper proposes a concrete design in which reasoning traverses an explicit conceptual-blending ontology and a latent world model, instead of emitting long, unstructured chains of thought.
Media, Blogs, and Articles
I share my work through interviews, podcasts, panel debates, and writing, with an emphasis on what generative models can and cannot do, and what it takes to deploy them responsibly in real organizations.
A concise conversation on “supertrends” in AI and digital transformation, focused on what leaders should watch, what to ignore, and how to turn uncertainty into concrete next steps. Listen to the full podcast episode on Spotify.
👤 Headshot for press and media, available for download.
Formats
Masterclasses and Courses
I currently offer two hands-on courses for leaders and practitioners who want practical, responsible adoption of AI. Both formats focus on what works in real organizations, from use cases and workflows to governance and delivery.
Gain a practical grasp of LLMs/LRMs, when they are enough and when you need stronger reasoning and structure, then apply modern workflows (quality assurance, human-in-the-loop, use-case validation) including RAG and agentic patterns, with a grounded view on security, governance, the EU AI Act, and what is likely coming next.
Learn to map and prioritize AI initiatives, distinguish generative AI from classic machine learning, navigate the EU AI Act, and turn strategy into a pragmatic AI roadmap and proof-of-value plan, including how to build internal alignment and ownership.
Make better choices with a thorough, basic understanding of GenAI, from capability to responsible use.
Company Visits (Masterclass)
I also visit companies and run a focused masterclass that builds a clear, shared understanding of generative AI, its limits, and what responsible adoption looks like. The format can be tailored from a 40-minute executive briefing to a full-day hands-on session.
Erik David Johnson manages to make artificial intelligence concrete, relevant and business-oriented. What’s more, he caught the audience’s attention and challenged their ideas. A good experience for everyone.
Many thanks for your excellent presentation for new Members of Parliament. You not only presented the technology and its potential, you also explained its ethical and professional dilemmas and challenges. You’ve helped provide our decision-makers with a better basis for taking the important and difficult decisions associated with our digital society.
Erik David Johnson combines a deep understanding of the workings of language with a unique technical talent. Here thereby manages to convey even the most complicated topics, such as AI and generative language models, in a way that everyone is able to grasp.
We’ve received positive feedback from the participants, and your relaxed and inclusive form of communication, in particular, was noted. Complex information suddenly became more tangible, and the participants were able to see the opportunities and potential of the technology.
Fantastic presentation, both the content and the way it was communicated. He should teach everyone what AI is (and is not)! Possibly the best presentation of the day.
Personal
A few creations: art and fun projects
Personal profile
I have many different interests, which I love to cultivate in my free time, including sports, arts and science.
- Mind: Chess, Philosophy, Art and Languages
- Body: Karate, Strength Training and Badminton
- Recreation: Piano, Nature and Woodworking
Mystery Puzzle
Click the sphere to open genagi.dk in a new tab.
Solar Fury
Click Play to launch the full game in a new tab.
Original music
These are a few pieces I have made without using AI. I play the piano and make computer music.
AI music
I crafted the SUNO prompt and wrote the lyrics myself to make my best AI-produced song, so far.
Woodworking projects
Selected pieces. Click a preview to open. Swipe or use arrows.
Contact Form
Reach out for collaboration, speaking inquiries, or just to say hello.