As economies around the world undergo profound transformations driven by technological advancements, digitalization, demographic shifts, and global sustainability goals, a new frontier is emerging: the brain economy. The brain economy emphasizes the role of brain health, cognitive development, and the optimization of human capital as central components of economic resilience and growth.
In Spain, which is facing socio-economic challenges such as an aging population, youth unemployment, and pressures from digitalization and the green transition, the adoption of a brain economy approach can catalyze innovative policy solutions. Prioritizing brain health and education systems that foster cognitive and emotional skills, Spain can position itself at the forefront of the next economic revolution.
This panel discussion aims to explore how Spain can leverage the brain economy to address national challenges while contributing to global trends in health, education, and innovation. The event will feature insights from policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and healthcare leaders to chart a path forward.
Objectives
The panel discussion aims to explore the key drivers of the brain economy and its relevance to Spain’s socio-economic context. This includes the goal to:
- Examine how brain health, education, workforce, and innovation intersect to shape national competitiveness in the context of the findings of Draghi Report.
- Identify policy frameworks and investments required to build a brain economy.
- Discuss the role of public-private partnerships and multi-stakeholder collaboration in fostering brain capital.
- Address the implications of brain health for productivity, well-being, and social cohesion in Spain.
AGENDA
Morning Session – 09:30 AM
Keynote Speech “Building the future: Brain and Nature Capital as Pillars of a Well-being Economy”
by Prof. Rym Ayadi, Founder and President of the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association – EMEA
Afternoon Session – 16:45 PM
Opening Speech
Prof. Rym Ayadi (Chair), Founder and President of the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association – EMEA
Keynote Speech
Michael Morley – Partner in McKinsey & Company’s London office
Panel Discussion
- Dr. Harris Eyre – Lead and Senior Fellow, Neuro-Policy, Rice University Baker Institute for Public Policy; Advisor, EMEA ; Executive Director, Brain Capital Alliance
- Marta Sánchez Bret – CEO of the WeMind Cluster
- Pawel Swieboda – Founder of NeuroCentury; Advisor, EMEA; Co-founder, Brain Capital Alliance (TBC)
- Marco Mohwinckel – President of Tech Tour, Executive & Advisor to Biotech, Health Tech and Pharma
- Tiago Fioravanti Zibecchi – Junior Researcher at EMEA
Date: 27th of November 2024
Time: Morning Session – 09:30 AM, Afternoon Session: 16:45 – 18:15 CET
Venue: World Trade Center, Barcelona
