The Human Advantage Stronger Brains in the Age of AI 2026

Organizations engaged in the brain economy – by operating region FIGURE 6 Note: Does not add up to a total of 50 because several organizations operate in multiple regions * Includes ~50 identified organizations that have identified the brain economy or brain capital as a strategic priority Source: High Lantern Group, the Milken Institute, World Economic Forum, & McKinsey Health Institute (2025)Building on this work, High Lantern Group, the Milken Institute, the Forum and McKinsey Health Institute have developed a blueprint for global coordination, grounded in a mapping that identified around 50 organizations across the world that are already engaging explicitly in brain capital work, embracing not only the substance of the work but also the terminology of the brain economy. This work was informed by a series of interviews with experts from past economic movements, industry, academia and policy.This mapping exercise found that while the stakeholder base of those engaged in brain capital work is broad, it is currently weighted towards private commercial actors. This distribution highlights the momentum building within the private sector around this topic. These organizations are not clustered in a single geography. Activity among engaged stakeholders spans every major global region, suggesting both the universality of brain capital challenges and the potential of global collaboration (see Figure 6). Within the current landscape, mobilization is the most common focus area for engaged organizations. Some 38 organizations were identified as working on efforts related to mobilizing around brain capital (see Figure 7). This demonstrates that organizations recognize the need for coordination to align efforts and accelerate impact. Global coordination is a critical foundation for the mobilization needs described throughout this report. Without a coordinated approach, brain capital initiatives risk fragmentation, duplication and missed opportunities at a time when demand for solutions has never been higher. A dedicated coordinating entity is needed to accomplish four core functions: –Knowledge development: Invest in generating new knowledge that advances the growth of brain capital –Thought leadership and communication: Lead dissemination of knowledge and insights *ymonoce niarb eht no degagne snoitazinagro fo rebmuN operating in each geographical r egion North AmericaEurope Asia Africa South AmericaAustralia31 26 20 16 14 9 The Human Advantage: Stronger Brains in the Age of AI 22