Stuart Cowan

Stuart Cowan, a passionate environmental thinker, hails from the lush coastal rainforests of Vancouver Island, nurturing a lifelong dedication to understanding and nurturing living systems.

With a Ph.D. in complex systems from U.C. Berkeley, Stuart's expertise lies at the intersection of science, design, community, and regenerative economics, where he has spearheaded numerous impactful projects.

As the General Partner and Co-founder of Autopoiesis LLC, Stuart collaborates with a diverse range of clients, from financial institutions to non-profits, guiding them towards sustainable practices and regenerative solutions.

Among his notable roles, Stuart served as the Founding Convener of the Regenerative Communities Network, supporting multiple bioregions globally in transitioning towards regenerative economies.

In his capacity as Chief Scientist at Smart Cities Council, Stuart developed cutting-edge knowledge frameworks to fuse smart technologies with urban sustainability and resilience, driving innovation in urban planning.

His tenure as a Transaction Manager at Portland Family of Funds saw him securing federal New Markets Tax Credits for green real estate development and ecological forestry projects, showcasing his commitment to sustainable finance.

Furthermore, as the Conservation Economy Research Director at Ecotrust, Stuart led the creation of the 'Reliable Prosperity' framework, aiming to foster regenerative practices within bioregional contexts.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Stuart has imparted his knowledge as a faculty member at various universities, teaching subjects such as ecological design, sustainability, and complex systems.

Stuart's academic journey includes a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mathematics from Simon Fraser University, complementing his Ph.D. studies in Complex Systems from U.C. Berkeley.