Brain capital and the future of work: rethinking labour markets for the AI age

Europe’s labour markets are being reshaped by AI, digitalisation, changing skill demands and an aging population. At the same time, rising cognitive load, stress and mental health challenges are increasingly influencing productivity, participation and innovation. These developments call for a renewed approach to labour market policy.

This session explores brain capital – the cognitive, emotional and social resources that underpin economic performance – as a strategic framework for Europe’s workforce transition. We discuss how brain health, cognitive skills, emotional resilience and lifelong learning can be better integrated into labour market and skills policies, particularly in the context of AI-driven change.

The discussion highlights policy options to support brain-positive workplaces, reduce skills mismatches and strengthen workforce resilience, while identifying opportunities for European and international cooperation to embed brain capital into future labour and employment reforms.