Speaker Jan Rotmans is internationally renowned as an authority in the field of sustainability and transitions. He was the first in the world to develop an integrated climate model that is used by institutions such as the United Nations, the World Bank and the European Commission. In addition to his scientific work, he is the founder of several research institutes and a driving force behind accelerating social and economic transitions. His mission is to make the chaos and uncertainty that transitions bring more understandable, in order to take concrete steps towards a sustainable future.
Jan Rotmans as a Speaker
As a speaker, Jan Rotmans knows how to take his audience into the world of transitions. His stories are sharp, layered and sometimes confronting, but always inspiring. He translates complex issues into clear insights and makes change personal: transitions do not begin with systems, but with people. Whether it concerns the energy transition, the circular economy, sustainable finance, healthcare or education, he always knows how to make his message relevant and tailored to the audience. His lectures are more than a source of inspiration; they encourage action and show how we can make an impact together.
Jan Rotmans' 11 Transitions
His lectures and masterclasses are related to the 11 transitions he has defined in the areas of energy, raw materials, agriculture and food, circularity, finance, spatial planning, healthcare, education, social change, democracy and personal transition. He makes complex subject matter simple and accessible and tailors his lecture to the relevant theme for the client. Thanks to his broad knowledge and layered perspective, he is one of the few who can formulate a tailored vision for many sectors undergoing transition and translate this into practice.
What makes him unique is that he always manages to make his argument personal – every transition begins with the individual, just as every revolution begins with people themselves. This can be confronting and challenging, but above all, it is motivating and inspiring. He shows people that taking action does indeed make a difference. This makes Jan Rotmans not only a speaker, but also a passionate motivator. He inspires people and, more importantly, activates his audience. He knows how to take away the sense of powerlessness that people often experience.
Jan Rotmans' Career
Jan Rotmans began his career as a mathematician and climate scientist. He developed the world's first integrated climate model, which still forms the basis for global climate policy today. His research led to the establishment of ICIS (Maastricht Sustainability Institute) and later DRIFT (Dutch Research Institute For Transitions), helping establish the Netherlands as a leader in transition research.
Over the years, Rotmans increasingly focused on the practical side of system change. He has advised governments, companies and international organisations on strategies for sustainable transitions. As an author, he has written more than 30 books and 300 scientific publications, including bestsellers such as Embrace the Chaos. His influence on the field of transitions is substantial, and his expertise is recognised worldwide.
Through his work and insights, Jan Rotmans helps companies, governments and individuals not only understand the future, but also actively shape it.
