Rice University Launches Brain Health Economy Initiative

Rice University announced a groundbreaking initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos that treats brain health and cognitive skills as vital economic assets for the artificial intelligence age.

The Global Brain Economy Initiative (GBEI) launched on January 21, positioning what researchers call "brain capital" at the center of global economic strategy. Brain capital includes both brain health and essential human skills like adaptability, empathy, and complex problem solving.

The initiative arrives as a new World Economic Forum report reveals stunning potential benefits. Implementing proven brain health interventions could save more than 260 million disability-adjusted life years and generate $6.2 trillion in economic gains by 2050.

Led by Rice researcher Harris Eyre, the GBEI connects neuroscience directly with economic policy and workplace performance. The program partners with The University of Texas Medical Branch and the Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative to turn brain research into practical solutions.

Rice Provost Amy Dittmar emphasized the urgency of this work. "With an aging population and the rapid transformation of work driven by AI, the urgency has never been greater to focus on brain health and build adaptable human skills," she said.

The initiative tackles brain capital through four core strategies. It defines frameworks that unite brain health with economic performance, measures impact through common standards, tests solutions in real-world pilots, and supports investment by attracting capital for long-term value creation.

Why This Inspires

This initiative represents a fundamental shift in how we think about human potential and economic growth. Instead of treating brain health as merely a medical issue, Rice is demonstrating that investing in cognitive wellness and human skills creates prosperity for everyone.

The timing couldn't be better. As AI transforms workplaces worldwide, the abilities that make us uniquely human become more valuable, not less.

In its first year, the GBEI will pilot brain economy strategies in select regions and create frameworks to guide funders and financial leaders. The team will also advocate for brain-focused policies at major global forums, including the G7 Summit, G20 Summit, and United Nations General Assembly.

The initiative works directly with Rice's Brain Institute, which connects neuroscience and neuroengineering with economics and social systems. This approach bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and policies that improve daily life.

Rice's approach shows how universities can drive real-world change by connecting research with action.