What Is Brain Capital?

Brain capital is the combined strength of our brain health and brain skills — the human capabilities that help us learn, adapt, connect, create, work and thrive throughout life.

The idea is simple: when people can protect their brain health and continue building essential human skills, individuals, families, communities and economies are better equipped to flourish.

The Two Parts of Brain Capital

Brain Health

Brain health supports how we think, feel and function. It begins with healthy brain development and continues throughout life, including the prevention and treatment of mental, neurological and substance use disorders.

Brain Skills

Brain skills are the abilities that help us learn, relate, make decisions and contribute meaningfully. They include curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, empathy, communication, resilience, self-leadership and technological literacy.

Together They Form Brain Capital

Brain health gives us the foundation to function. Brain skills help us use that foundation to navigate life, build relationships, solve problems and contribute. Together, they form brain capital.

Brain Capital Shapes How We Live and Grow

At Home and in Our Communities

Brain health and brain skills influence how we manage emotions, connect with others, make decisions and participate in the places we call home.

In School and Throughout Life

They support how we learn, communicate, stay curious, solve problems and adapt as the world changes.

At Work and Across the Economy

They help people collaborate, create, exercise judgment, use technology thoughtfully and contribute their strengths in a changing economy.

Three Ideas You Will See Throughout OBCA's Work

Three Ideas You Will See Throughout OBCA’s Work

01

Brain Capital Is the Asset

It is the combined brain health, brain skills and human capabilities that enable people to learn, adapt, connect, create, work and thrive.

02

The Brain Economy Is the System

It is an economy whose growth and stability are driven by the collective brain capital of its people and communities. It recognizes brain health and brain skills as assets worth developing, protecting and investing in.

03

Brain-Positive Is the Lens

It is a way to consider whether decisions, policies, investments, systems, environments and technologies protect and strengthen brain capital rather than diminish it.

Brain Capital Can Be Strengthened

Our brains continue to develop and adapt throughout life. Individual choices matter, but people do not build brain capital alone. Families, schools, workplaces, healthcare systems, communities, technology and public policy all help shape the conditions in which brains can develop and thrive.

Ohio's Greatest Asset Is Its People

Ohio already has extraordinary strengths across healthcare, education, research, business, workforce development, public policy and community life. Yet those strengths do not always translate into the outcomes Ohioans need.

Brain capital offers a shared way to connect these efforts around the health, abilities and potential of people. By treating brain health and brain skills as essential infrastructure, Ohio can make more coordinated decisions about learning, work, innovation, well-being and long-term prosperity.