Foreword The global health landscape is on the cusp of a significant transformation, driven by the rapid integration of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI). In healthcare, medtech and pharma, an inflection point has been reached: the choice now lies between transforming systems or continuing down the road of incremental improvement. As this transformation unfolds, it is crucial for addressing the urgency for real, impactful change rather than small, marginal advances. AI transformation goes beyond adopting new tools; it involves rethinking the fundamentals of how health is delivered and accessed. AI digital health solutions – including AI to improve operations such as note- taking or resource-scheduling but also telemedicine, remote monitoring and AI-driven diagnostics – hold the potential to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve health outcomes globally.1 Compared to other industries, healthcare exhibits digital maturity and disruption below the global average, indicating that these sectors have yet to make full use of digital technologies to create significant value. It is not yet clear whether AI will drive transformation or continue down the current path, with a sole focus on marginal efficiency. So far, many AI developments have been experimental, with more than 70% of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals centred on imaging applications, most of which have yet to be implemented at scale. The World Economic Forum is committed to exploring AI’s impact in various sectors. This white paper is part of a series focusing on scaling AI across industries and is a contribution to the Forum’s broader AI Governance Alliance report Transformation of Industries in the Age of AI, which aims to transform how AI shapes the modern world. This initiative uses diverse expertise to address multifaceted issues. Healthcare is facing fundamental challenges that require its transformation: rising demand due to ageing populations and constrained supply of resources, leading to wide inequalities of outcome. Recent global events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, have underscored the urgency of this transformation by accelerating the adoption of digital health technologies. The shift to digital health can be a powerful force in achieving health equity, enabling access to quality healthcare for underserved communities, and addressing the chronic disease burden affecting millions worldwide. AI in health faces dual challenges. First, the inherently sensitive nature of health, where the protection of individuals is paramount, leads to a highly risk-averse environment. Second, societal scepticism towards AI, as highlighted by consumer sentiment surveys, presents a hurdle. Realizing the full potential of AI in health requires concerted efforts and collaboration among various stakeholders. The World Economic Forum’s Digital Healthcare Transformation (DHT) Initiative aims to harness the power of digital solutions to tackle pressing health challenges. This initiative emphasizes the importance of public–private partnerships in driving the adoption and scaling of digital health technologies. The Forum wishes to use its unique position to address and overcome AI challenges in health through its ability to convene diverse stakeholders from the private and public sectors, international bodies and civil society organizations. Facilitating dialogue and collaboration among these groups ensures that multiple perspectives contribute to finding sustainable solutions. Throughout this journey, it is imperative to remain focused on the ultimate goal: improving health outcomes for all, irrespective of geographical, socioeconomic or cultural barriers. The path forward requires innovation, collaboration and a steadfast commitment to using technology for the greater good.Andy Moose Head of Health and Wellness, World Economic ForumBen Horner Managing Director and Partner, Boston Consulting Group The Future of AI-Enabled Health: Leading the Way 4

The Future of AI Enabled Health 2025