Investing with a long-term horizon can be a powerful strategy, especially when your portfolio includes ASX 200 shares with a clear runway for growth, structural tailwinds, and economic moats.

With the ASX 200 climbing steadily and investor sentiment improving, now could be the perfect time to identify high-conviction ideas that might outperform over the next decade.

Here are three standout ASX shares that analysts think have serious long-term potential.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

This data centre specialist is benefitting from explosive growth in cloud computing, AI adoption, and digital infrastructure needs.

It operates a nationwide network of world-class Tier III and Tier IV data centres, providing secure, scalable and energy-efficient services to enterprise and government clients. What sets the company apart is its network-rich connectivity ecosystem – linking over 750 IT service providers, cloud platforms and network partners.

With digital transformation accelerating, AI workloads booming, and sovereign data storage becoming a national priority, NextDC looks exceptionally well positioned.

It is no wonder then that Morgans rates it as a buy with an $18.80 price target.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

This ASX 200 share is quietly becoming a global leader in diagnostic imaging software. Its flagship product, Visage 7, enables radiologists to interpret high-resolution medical images faster and more accurately, reducing workload and improving patient outcomes.

Pro Medicus generates most of its revenue in the US through long-term contracts with major hospital groups and imaging networks. The company's growth profile has been stellar – driven by rising demand for imaging services and strong pricing power due to its superior technology.

And with a significant US sales pipeline, expansion into new areas like cardiology, and global market opportunity, it appears well-placed for strong growth long into the future.

Morgan Stanley has an overweight rating and $320.00 price target on its shares.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

Finally, ResMed could be an ASX 200 share to buy and hold. It has carved out a global leadership position in treating sleep apnoea and respiratory conditions.

Its 2030 strategy, unveiled at an investor day last year, outlines a bold ambition to help more than 500 million people achieve their full health potential through AI-driven connected health solutions and data-enabled care platforms.

The company expects this to underpin high-single-digit revenue growth and even faster earnings growth through to 2030.

But if you think its growth could stop there, think again. ResMed is investing around 7% of revenue in R&D to maintain its technological edge. And with more than 2.3 billion people globally affected by sleep and breathing disorders, the market opportunity remains immense.

Macquarie is bullish on ResMed's outlook. It has an outperform rating and $48.00 price target on its shares.