Jeremy Rifkin

Education

Rifkin earned degrees in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and in international affairs from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

Published works

Rifkin has written 17 published books, primarily focused on the impact of scientific and technological changes, in which he has speculated on the end or change of work, property, the American dream, the potential of dangers unleashed by biotechnology, and on the beginning of a new hydrogen economy.

Rifkin became one of the first major critics of the nascent biotechnology industry with the 1977 publication of his book, Who Should Play God? His 1995 book, The End of Work, an international bestseller, is credited by some with helping shape the current global debate on technology displacement, corporate downsizing and the future of jobs. His 1998 book, The Biotech Century, addresses the many critical issues accompanying the new era of genetic commerce and is the most widely read book in the world on the biotech revolution.

Influence in Europe

In addition to his work in his native United States, Rifkin has significant influence in Europe, serving as an advisor to government leaders and heads of state, and has served as a personal advisor to Romano Prodi, the current Prime Minister of Italy and the former President of the European Commission, one of the governing bodies of the European Union. His columns appear in many leading European newspapers. Although many of his views are contested, he has genuine influence on public opinion and public policy in the U.S. and Europe. National Journal magazine listed him as one of the 150 most influential people in shaping U.S. policy for his "skillfully manipulated legal and bureaucratic procedures." His account of cultural or cognitive capitalism has influenced the philosopher Bernard Stiegler.

Foundation on Economic Trends

The Foundation on Economic Trends (FOET), based in Washington D.C. is active in both national and international public policy issues related to the environment, the economy, and biotechnology. FOET examines new trends and their impacts on the environment, the economy, culture and society, and engages in litigation, public education, coalition building and grassroots organizing activities to advance our goals.

Criticisms

Rifkin has sparked controversies about his positions. Critics in the U.S. have called him a professional scaremonger for supporting precautionary principles, one group going so far as to brand him "the intellectual guru of the neo-Luddites," as they view many of his positions as obstacles to technological advancement. Some even say his books are littered with errors and false predictions. Time Magazine went so far as to call him "the most hated man in science".

Lately, his positions on the "Hydrogen Economy" have come under fire, due to the relative inefficiency of hydrogen as a means of storing energy when compared to batteries, compressed air and hydroelectric options.

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