13/06/2016 (Agence Europe) -Jeremy Rifkin says regions have crucial role to play in "third industrial revolution. The famous US economist and essayist, Jeremy Rifkin, has made the visual economy his prerogative. In an interview with the Committee of the Regions (CoR) published on Friday, 10 June, he stated that the regional authorities must develop "master plans" for ensuring the transition of their economies to the digital age. According to Rifkin, only thoroughgoing change will allow Europe to make the shift to a "post-carbon sustainable ecological civilisation" by drastically improving the communication, energy and transport systems. Mr Rifkin is also a regular adviser to the European Commission and is currently developing to comprehensive pilot plans with the Nord-Pas de Calais and metropolitan region of The Hague-Rotterdam. The first exchange of experiences will be presented during the forthcoming European Summit of Regions and Cities at Bratislava 8-9 June next. Mr Rifkin will also be attending as one of the guests of honour. (PH)