This book is a message of hope and a call to action in building flourishing human–machine systems in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). It looks beyond the AI hype and advocates for humanity in an industry infatuated by machine superiority. Its focus is on empowering leaders and citizens by raising awareness and encouraging active participation in building responsible technology and resilient organizations.
This book presents evidence-based and practical approaches for using AI to enhance business, human, and planetary outcomes. The research underpinning this work is informed by studies indicating that many organizations encounter difficulties in achieving a positive return on investment from their AI initiatives. This means that business leaders need to be astute in recognizing both the complexities and opportunities of using AI to effectively harness its potential. The book examines the interconnected relationship between humans and technology over time and discusses the need for renewed approaches to AI development and implementation. It suggests that AI differs from traditional technologies and requires adaptive human engagement for these new socio-technical systems to be successful. Additionally, the book aims to inform readers about both the beneficial and adverse impacts of AI technology on society.
This publication is intended to inspire business professionals, researchers, and students specializing in human–AI collaboration, information systems, and technology management. The underlying research was supported by a European Union–funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie research fellowship for the Augmented Humans project, which focused on leveraging the strengths of both human and artificial intelligence to accelerate creativity and innovation without compromising planetary flourishing.
This book offers deep insights and practical approaches for both technology researchers and business leadership teams. Supplementary materials are a key feature of this book, which includes offering interactive co-creation tools, such as AI Design Cards, the Designing Tiny Robots game, and AI Design Canvases as digital downloads with every book purchased. The author invites readers to engage with their stakeholders with playful, participatory methods in building more effective and responsible human–AI systems.
Table of Contents:
Part I: The Here and Now. 1. Introduction. 2. AI at Work and in Society. Part II: Entanglement. 3. Human–Technology Entanglement. 4. Entanglement and Empire. Part III: Disentanglement. 5. Deep Dive into Enablement. 6. Threat Avoidance or Opportunity Chasing? Part IV: Flourishing. 7. Collaborative AI Systems Design. 8. Provocations.
About the Author :
Marigo Raftopoulos is a technology researcher and strategic business advisor and has recently completed an EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie postdoctoral research fellowship for the project Augmented Humans. Marigo’s global research and advisory career spans several decades and has focused on strategic digital transformation and experience design for corporate, government, and start-up clients. In her free time, Marigo explores forests as a citizen scientist and participates in forest conservation efforts.
Review :
“Entanglement is an essential contribution to understanding the intertwined nature of technology, humanity, and society. In an era where AI is reshaping every dimension of business and governance, this book offers a rare balance between rigorous research and pragmatic insight. It brings clarity to the complexity of human-AI collaboration, reminding us that innovation must remain deeply human-centred. A timely and thought-provoking read for policymakers, leaders, and anyone shaping the digital future." --Nicolas Babin, International Consultant in New Technologies and Digital EU Ambassador, European Commission
"We need a new vocabulary that helps us have fruitful discussions about humans and AI so that we can put humans first. This book fills an important gap related to knowledge and critical thinking about human-AI collaboration issues, the intricacies of AI-implementations and the need for holistic mapping of social, technology and business dimensions. The author has a unique combination of experience as a practitioner and leader in the corporate world, coupled with academic achievement." --Dina Koutsikouri, Senior Lecturer, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
"AI adoption often falls short because we overlook the human side; how people think, behave, collaborate, and adapt. Dr. Marigo Raftopoulos addresses that gap with a rare blend of academic insight and real-world industry experience, giving readers a practical, holistic lens for both reflection and action. There are plenty of books on what technology can do; we have far fewer that illuminate what humans bring to the equation. This book shifts that balance, showing that the future of AI isn’t about chasing “AI-first” slogans or relentless optimization, rather it’s about understanding the full ecosystem of people, culture, and strategy so organisations can unlock their real potential. If you’re implementing AI (or struggling to), this is an essential companion that brings clarity to where human judgment and intelligent systems truly meet." --Melinda Jacobs, Managing Partner, Subatomic
“Dr. Raftopolous challenges readers about whether they are the driver, or passenger, in how AI is used in organisations. As leaders, we are responsible for the experiences we create for our people and customers. This book not only helps us think deeply about responsibility, it also provides practical guidance on co-creating the environment for effective and safe use of emerging technologies.” --Christian Gossan, Managing Director & Founder, Sharpen Advisory
“This book is an essential and timely exploration of the evolving relationship between humans and intelligent technologies. Rather than treating AI as a neutral tool, it confronts the deeper psychological, social, and organisational dynamics that shape how people actually work with intelligent systems—fear, anxiety, mistrust, over-reliance, and the subtle ways our behaviour adapts as machines become partners rather than instruments. What stands out is the book’s clear recognition that meaningful human-AI collaboration requires far more than technical capability. In a world where AI is pervading, the author shows that sustainable performance comes from the interaction between human reasoning and machine intelligence - not either one alone. The book illuminates how shared mental models, theory of mind, cognitive teaming, and dynamic interaction design are becoming prerequisites for effective human-machine partnerships. For business leaders seeking to navigate an increasingly complex environment, for researchers pushing the boundaries of human-AI teaming, and for students preparing to enter this rapidly changing field, Entanglement offers a compelling, deeply informed framework.” --Liana Razmerita, Associate Professor, Copenhagen Business School
"Entanglement is a unique book that brings artificial intelligence back to where it truly belongs, “with people”, highlighting the importance of properly framing the shared space where human intention, creativity, and intelligent systems meet. Dr. Raftopoulos brings clarity to a topic that desperately needs it, grounding emerging technologies in what makes us deeply human: our capacity to imagine, decide, adapt, and grow. This book is a thoughtful, necessary guide for anyone shaping responsible and human-centered AI." --Jorge Martin Jarrin Zak, AI Transformation & Strategy consultant, Cybersecurity specialist
"As we become increasingly entangled with AI, the conversation must shift from “what technology can do for us” to “what humans and AI can accomplish together.” Crucially, these human-AI entanglements should enable people — and the planet — to flourish. In this timely book, Dr. Marigo Raftopoulos offers sober, practical methods for designing responsible AI, improving adoption, and unlocking human creativity and judgment within socio‑technical systems. With Dr. Raftopoulos’s unique blend of industry practice and academic rigour, the book delivers both credibility and relevance and is an essential reading for everyone seeking an actionable and thoughful roadmap to lasting human–AI collaboration." --Lena Hylving, Associate Professor, University of Oslo
"This book is an important piece of the solution mosaic for addressing the AI-related challenges we face today. It offers practical frameworks and reflective insights for navigating human-AI interactions, emphasizing thoughtful system design that balances opportunity and risk. I particularly appreciate the focus on enhancing human creativity and flourishing, while acknowledging the socio-technical complexities of AI adoption. Dr. Raftopoulos’ combination of academic rigor and business experience allows her to explore these issues from multiple perspectives. This book is a must-read for anyone shaping responsible and human-centered AI environments." --Philipp Busch, Philipp Busch Consulting, Mind Games GmbH
"As spiders weave their web, food supply and predators risk their entanglement - in a similar way, during this AI Age, organizations may be trapped in knowing what strategies are best in navigating their webs. This book helps to understand the need for collaboration between humans and AI in order to avoid entanglement and ensure success.” --Jay Liebowitz, D.Sc., Consulting Special Advisor in AI and Analytics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
