Facebook pixel
Go to home page
Go to home page
Person in yellow jacket and white sweater with arms outstretched enjoying mountain view under bright blue sky.

Investing in Brain Capital: A New Pillar for Canada’s Innovation Economy

Canadian Science Policy Centre

Dilpriya K. Mangat, Andria V. Stephens, Harris A. Eyre, Jennie Z. Young, Andrew S. Nevin, George Vradenburg, Drew Holzapfel and Julian Karageusian

Read full research article

OVERVIEW

Canada's innovation strategy has long been measured in patents, broadband speeds, and R&D tax credits — but there's a glaring omission from that ledger: the cognitive, emotional and social capacity of its people. Brain capital encompasses the cognitive, emotional, and social capacities of individuals and communities to adapt, innovate, and lead, and is increasingly recognized as a foundational driver of economic resilience and innovation. This isn't soft language for a wellness agenda — it's macroeconomic reality. The economic cost of poor mental health in high-income countries exceeds 4% of GDP annually, and in Canada specifically, scaling mental health interventions could reduce the national burden of disease by 36% and generate nearly $88 billion in GDP impact by 2050. At a moment when geopolitical turbulence and AI disruption are reshaping labor markets faster than policy can track, treating brain health as a peripheral public health concern is not just shortsighted — it's economically reckless.The authors of this op-ed argue for the fundamental expansion of what we consider as infrastructure, and acceptance of brain performance as vital infrastructure. Just as societies invest in roads and broadband, we must invest in cognitive capacity. The establishment of a Provincial Brain Capital Council can coordinate investment across health, education, labor and economic ministries — and empower Canada to actively engage in and expand dialogue on brain capital in G7, G20 and World Economic Forums. The global stakes are not trivial: brain health initiatives could unlock over $26 trillion in economic value and add 150 million high quality life years by 2040.

Share this article

Headshot of Andrew Nevin, PhD

Andrew S. Nevin, PhD

Inaugural Director, Brainomics Venture Research Professor

Related Information

Dallas skyline viewed from near Trinity River.

Boosting Brain Health Is Key to a Thriving Economy

Boosting brain health is crucial for U.S. economic recovery and future jobs. This article explores why incorporating neuroscience research into economic policy can help strengthen brain health for communities while also strengthening economic productivity.