Jeffrey Cole

Jeffrey Cole is one of the world’s leading voices on media, technology, and the digital future, spending more than three decades tracking change and anticipating what comes next.

Cole founded the World Internet Project—the longest-running global study of online behavior, spanning 27 years in 35 countries—and now directs the Center for the Digital Future at the USC Annenberg School. As a UCLA professor, Cole taught more than 35,000 students and twice received the Distinguished Teaching Award.

Cole has advised four U.S. presidential administrations, the FCC, Congress, and the Department of Defense, along with global government leaders. His industry clients include Microsoft, Sony, WPP, Time Warner, AT&T, CBS, NBC, ABC, HP, Ericsson, and Coca-Cola. He co-founded the Global Disruption Investment Fund, identifying companies poised to disrupt and be disrupted.

In 2022, Cole received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for Americans who dedicate their lives to community and the world.