With health systems under growing pressure worldwide, interest is intensifying in how artificial intelligence (AI) could transform the way care is delivered, accessed, and experienced.

Earlier this year, the University of Sydney joined that global conversation at a Frontiers in Science forum convened alongside the World Economic Forum in Davos, with Brain and Mind Centre Co‑Director Professor Ian Hickie AO representing the University.

Professor Hickie was invited to participate in a high‑level international forum exploring whether advances in artificial intelligence will ultimately lead to a fundamental overhaul of healthcare services – particularly in areas struggling to meet growing demand, such as mental health, aged care, child development and youth services.

Moving Healthcare Beyond Hospitals

In his contribution, Professor Hickie challenged the perception that the future of healthcare innovation lies primarily within acute hospital settings.

He argued that AI has the potential to support a shift towards more personalised, preventative and community‑based models of care – alleviating pressure on an increasingly stretched healthcare workforce.

“These are systems that are struggling to cope with current demand,” Professor Hickie said. “AI can help empower people to manage their own health journeys, while enabling professionals to focus their time and expertise where it matters most.”

Why This Conversation Matters Now

Health systems globally are confronting rapidly increasing demand, rising costs, workforce shortages, and persistent inequities. These are challenges that were reflected throughout the Davos forum discussions.

Professor Hickie noted that governments are increasingly looking beyond activity measures to assess whether healthcare investment is delivering meaningful outcomes.

“There’s a growing focus on whether healthcare improves people’s lives over the long term,” he said. “That includes education, employment, independence, and quality of life – not just what happens in clinical settings.”

He highlighted the importance of linking health data with broader social and economic datasets to understand which interventions work, and for whom. Used carefully, AI can help analyse complex information at scale and inform more effective policy decisions.

At the same time, he emphasised that regulation, privacy, and funding models must evolve alongside technology to ensure innovation remains safe, equitable, and trusted by the public.

Global Forums, Australian Leadership

Professor Hickie noted the rapid growth of digital health tools being used outside formal healthcare systems, particularly in mental health.

“People are already engaging with technology independently of traditional services,” he said. “Adoption will be driven by whether people can see real benefits for themselves and their communities.”

He said the Davos forum highlighted the importance of public trust, international collaboration, and evidence‑based leadership, as well as the role universities play in shaping global health reform conversations.

World Forum in Davos

The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, is a premier annual gathering that brings together approximately 3,000 global leaders from politics, business, academia, and civil society to discuss urgent global challenges. The 2026 meeting centered on the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue," tackling global instability, inequality, and climate change.