The Human Advantage Stronger Brains in the Age of AI 2026

Foreword As artificial intelligence continues to transform the way we live and work, it’s natural to wonder what this will mean for us. Will machines replace what we do best or will they help us create new levels of creativity, productivity and impact? The truth is, the future isn’t about humans vs. AI – it’s about how we can bring out the best in both. In order to harness the full potential of both human and artificial intelligence, each enhancing the other, we must invest accordingly. By doing so, we will shape a smarter, healthier future. In this new report, The Human Advantage: Stronger Brains in the Age of AI, we build on a simple premise: stronger brains build stronger businesses, economies and societies. The World Economic Forum’s The Future of Jobs Report1 highlights a clear shift around AI, but it also elevates the importance of brain capabilities such as adaptability, empathy and complex problem- solving. Those capabilities, coupled with healthy brain function, are what is known as brain capital. Building brain capital starts with protecting and promoting brain health across the lifespan. Scaling proven brain health interventions globally could reclaim more than 260 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and generate an estimated $6.2 trillion in cumulative gross domestic product (GDP) gains.2 Developed by the McKinsey Health Institute in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, this report lays out a roadmap for investing in our brains through five levers: safeguarding brain health; fostering brain skills; studying brain capital through better research and measurement; investing in brain capital with innovative finance; and mobilizing a coordinated, cross-sector movement. Building brain capital is a shared endeavour. Everyone has a role to play. Educators and health leaders can lay the foundation for brain health and skills from childhood through to old age; CEOs can embed brain capital into talent and organizational culture; investors can channel capital towards brain- positive innovation. The brain economy represents a new frontier where human intelligence and artificial intelligence work in partnership, allowing for greater productivity and resilience. If we commit to building the brain economy, we can create healthier lives and stronger institutions, with a goal of sustained, shared prosperity for generations ahead.Lucy Pérez Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company; Global Leader, McKinsey Health InstituteShyam Bishen Head, Centre for Health and Healthcare; Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum The Human Advantage: Stronger Brains in the Age of AI January 2026 The Human Advantage: Stronger Brains in the Age of AI 3