The role of the human brain in the broader global economy is attracting increasing attention, making brain health protection a top priority for businesses and individuals worldwide.
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Andy Moose
Global Head of the World Economic Forum's Center for Health and Healthcare
Kana Enomoto
Harris Eyre
Brain capital (the economic output of brain health) and the brain economy—driven by the collective intellectual power contributed by communities, society, and nations to foster growth and stability—are emerging concepts that help navigate an ever-changing world. Policies and investments aimed at enhancing cognitive function can boost productivity, spark greater creativity and economic dynamism, and ultimately build a population that is more resilient, adaptable, and engaged.Investing in brain health should start early—because more than half of the brain’s synaptic connections are established by age 3. Early investments, such as stimulating activities, proper nutrition, and positive social interactions, can lay a strong foundation for cognitive and emotional resilience. For instance, during this critical period, the brain consumes up to 75% of the energy derived from the food we eat.As children grow, threats to healthy brain development also jeopardize this foundational asset. Compared to other chronic conditions, mental and substance-use disorders place a particularly heavy burden on young people—75% of mental health disorders emerge before the age of 24. Families, education systems, and workplaces offer valuable opportunities to strengthen this foundation, helping to build and sustain brain capital throughout the lifespan.Educators and policymakers can stimulate the "brain economy" by providing early childhood education programs and fostering brain-healthy environments starting from infancy. Foundational literacy skills—such as phonics, vocabulary, and reading comprehension—lay the groundwork for effective communication and critical thinking.Computational skills such as calculation, number recognition, and basic arithmetic lay the foundation for mathematical reasoning and problem-solving. A study from MIT found that students who attended public kindergarten were less likely to face juvenile detention or suspension in high school—and more likely to graduate—compared to those who did not attend public kindergarten.By explicitly embedding brain-health-promoting factors from the earliest stages of kindergarten and consistently reinforcing them as children grow into adolescence, society can lay a strong foundation for not only positive brain health but also for lifelong success in health, career, family life, and social well-being. By the time students graduate from high school, they will have spent roughly 14,000 hours immersed in academic environments—environments that can either nurture or erode their brain-health capital.Innovative programs like the Brain Health Initiative’s “Brain Health Schools” empower teachers, students from kindergarten through graduation, families, and communities to promote brain-healthy lifestyles, address risk factors for brain disorders, and optimize brain development and function. These efforts are crucial in helping young people navigate the unique challenges they face both at school and at home—while laying a strong foundation for their brain health and future success.Parents and caregivers can strengthen their family’s brain capital by fostering positive social-emotional skills. Research shows that a supportive and motivating family environment is a key driver of children’s early success, helping them develop better social skills, improved impulse control, and enhanced learning outcomes.Approximately 64% of U.S. adults report experiencing at least one adverse childhood experience before the age of 18. Nearly one in six adults (17.3%) say they endured four or more types of adverse childhood experiences. Increased exposure to adverse childhood experiences can lead to chronic stress, which may impair brain development in children and, over time, negatively affect attention, decision-making skills, and learning abilities.However, science shows that with the right support, children can develop positive coping skills and emotional resilience, helping them bounce back from trauma. Programs like Sesame Workshop’s “Building Resilience in Children and Families,” the Child Mind Institute’s “Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids,” and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and the McKinsey Health Institute’s “Resilient Youth” equip caring adults with the essential tools to understand trauma and respond to children in a supportive, strength-based manner.The workplace can boost brain capital by supporting employees' mental health, enabling them to perform at their highest level. Analytical thinking is a key indicator of individuals with healthy brains—and it’s also one of the skills employers value most.Today’s frontline employees could very well become tomorrow’s CEOs—which is precisely why it’s essential to invest in their brain health. Parents, too, must think about how to prepare their children to tackle the challenges of the future job market.The World Economic Forum is collaborating with more than 50 global organizations from both the public and private sectors to identify the challenges and best practices for enhancing employees' overall health. Its underlying premise: if employers actively invest in their employees' health and well-being, global GDP could potentially grow by up to 12%.The plan further focuses on advancing and evaluating the framework and metrics for comprehensive workplace health interventions, helping organizations develop compelling business cases for them.This movement is gaining momentum.Look, this is evident from the global stakeholders' meeting aimed at driving the brain economy transformation, including Brain Day, which will be part of the upcoming 79th UN General Assembly Science Summit.3 Steps to Promote Brain HealthLiving in today's world requires us to remain resilient, especially as we confront growing personal and societal crises like climate change and mental health challenges. Strategies for tackling these issues include:- Create a society that prioritizes and invests in brain health while embracing neurodiversity.
- Cultivate brain-healthy habits from an early age and reinforce them throughout your life.
- Providing effective solutions to prevent, treat, and help people recover from brain disorders.
Every global leader and individual should contribute to nurturing brain capital and driving the sustained growth of the global brain economy. By laying the foundation for better brain health, we can all move toward a prosperous future.
The above content solely represents the author's personal views.This article is translated from the World Economic Forum's Agenda blog; the Chinese version is for reference purposes only.Feel free to share this in your WeChat Moments; please leave a comment below if you'd like to republish.
Editor: Wang Can
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