CBRS and global experts have released a new editorial, based on a policy concept note, calling on the G7 to recognize brain health and brain skills as core economic priorities. With Canada chairing the G7 in 2025, this is a pivotal moment to put brain capital at the heart of economic policy.
Why Brain Capital Matters for Economic Growth
The future of economic resilience depends on brain capital—the combination of brain health and cognitive skills that fuels innovation, productivity, and adaptability. Yet, despite its critical role, brain capital is missing from major economic strategies, leaving a significant gap in policy planning.
The evidence shows that failing to invest in brain capital has serious economic consequences because:
- The workforce is changing: Half of the top emerging job skills identified in the 2025 Future of Jobs Report are brain-related (e.g. creativity, analytical thinking).
- The economic impact of brain disorders is massive: Brain disorders cost the global economy an estimated $2.5–$8.5 trillion annually in lost productivity.
- Aging populations and workforce stress are on the rise: Without investment in brain health, economies risk lower productivity, higher healthcare costs, and declining innovation.
What’s at Stake If We Don’t Act?
Failing to prioritize brain capital could mean:
- Workforce decline: Brain-related conditions already impact 1 in 5 Canadians, limiting economic participation.
- Innovation slowdown: A healthy, resilient workforce drives scientific and technological breakthroughs.
- Economic stagnation: Without cognitive resilience, countries will struggle to compete in the global economy.
A Blueprint for the G7
To future-proof the global economy, the editorial’s authors call on the G7 to:
- Establish a G7 Brain Economy Working Group to integrate brain capital into health, finance, workforce, and innovation policies.
- Host the first-ever G7 Brain Economy Summit to drive global action.
- Align with the private sector to encourage corporate investment in brain health and productivity.
From National Advocacy to Global Action
CBRS has long advocated for brain research as a driver of not only better health outcomes but of economic growth, innovation, and workforce resilience. Key milestones include:
- Brain Research Must Be a National Priority for the Social, Health, and Economic Advancement of Canada – written submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance: Pre-budget consultations in advance of budget 2023
- Brain Research: The Cornerstone for Canada’s Future Socio-Economic Wealth – a panel discussion at the 2023 Canadian Science Policy Conference
- Brain Science is the Foundation of the Brain Economy Transformation – an editorial at Sciencepolicy.ca
- Scaling Research for Impact: From Local Insights to Global Solutions – a symposium and workshop at the 2024 Canadian Science Policy Centre Conference
With Canada leading the G7 in 2025, we see an unprecendented opportunity to elevate brain health and brain research on the global stage as critical drivers of economic resilience, workforce productivity, and prosperity.
Read the editorial.
Read the policy concept note.
