January 15, 2026 – The McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) in collaboration with the World Economic Forum today released a new report centering strong brains as a foundation of individual, societal, and economic prosperity and resilience in the age of AI.
The report explores how brain health and brain skills—together known as brain capital—are critical for productivity, innovation, and inclusive economic growth. The report argues that without sustained investment in stronger brains, organizations and economies risk falling behind.
“As AI transforms work and competitiveness, the question is no longer whether technology will change the economy, but whether people will be equipped to change with it,” said Lucy Pérez, Senior Partner, and Global Leader of the McKinsey Health Institute. “Brain capital is becoming one of the most decisive drivers of growth, resilience, and shared prosperity.”
The brain is the body’s most complex and vital organ, regulating everything from basic life functions to complex decision making. Brain-related conditions already account for nearly a quarter of the global disease burden and are expected to rise significantly over the next few years. At the same time, rapid advances in science, a clearer understanding of the brain’s role in productivity and resilience, and growing attention on AI’s impact are creating a moment where investing in the brain is now an economic imperative.
“Underinvesting in the brain is already showing up in burn-out, skills gaps, and lost productivity,” said Shyam Bishen, Head, Centre for Health and Healthcare, World Economic Forum. “Scaling evidence-based brain health interventions could avert 267 million disability-adjusted life years by 2050 and generate up to $6.2 trillion in cumulative GDP gains. This is a compelling case for leaders to embed brain capital into strategy and workforce investment now.”
The report introduces the concept of brain capital as a strategic economic asset. Brain capital is comprised of two interdependent foundations:
- Brain health, defined as optimal brain functioning supported by prevention and treatment of mental, neurological, and substance use disorders across the lifespan; and
- Brain skills, including the cognitive, interpersonal, self-leadership, and technological literacy capabilities that enable people to adapt and contribute meaningfully.
“Brain health is already a major economic and societal issue. In this age of AI, putting a premium on brain skills will drive adaptability and performance rather than replace what makes us human,” said Andy Moose, Head, Innovation and Health System Transformation, Centre for Health and Healthcare, World Economic Forum.
Drawing on global research and a year of multistakeholder convenings through the Brain Economy Action Forum—comprised of more than 20 leading organizations—the report outlines a five-part roadmap for action: safeguarding brain health, fostering brain skills, studying brain capital through better measurement and research, investing through innovative financing mechanisms, and mobilizing a coordinated global movement.
“Building the brain economy requires coordinated action across governments, employers, investors, and communities,” said Erica Coe, Partner and Global Executive Director of the McKinsey Health Institute. “The opportunity is enormous, but it will only be realized if we treat brain capital as a strategic asset and invest accordingly.”
Heading into 2026, the Action Forum will shift from agenda-setting to catalyzing action—mobilizing leaders and commitments to advance and scale the report’s recommendations for building brain capital globally.
Read the full report.