Unveiling the neurotechnology landscape. Scientific advancements innovations and major trends

Abstract

Scanning neurotechnology: what is being developed, where and by whom? Neurotechnology's developments hold profound implications for human identity, autonomy, privacy, behavior, and well-being, i.e. the very essence of what it means to be human. Since 2013, government investments in this field have exceeded $6 billion. Private investment has also seen significant growth, with annual funding experiencing a 22-fold increase from 2010 to 2020, reaching $7.3 billion and totaling $33.2 billion. This investment has translated into a 35-fold growth in neuroscience publications between 2000-2021 and 20-fold growth in innovations between 2000-2020, as proxied by patents. However, not all are poised to benefit from such developments, as big divides emerge. Over 80% of high-impact neuroscience publications are produced by only 10 countries, while 70% of countries contributed fewer than 10 such papers over the period considered. Similarly, six countries only hold 87% of IP5 neurotech patents. This report targets policy makers, researchers, patent analysists, scientists, technology enthusiasts, ethicists, and anyone interested in the intersection of neuroscience, technology, and society. This report sheds light on the neurotechnology ecosystem, that is, what is being developed, where and by whom, and informs about how neurotechnology interacts with other technological trajectories, especially Artificial Intelligence. The report underscores the need for evidence in support of policy making and calls for the ethical governance of neurotechnology, to ensure that its development and deployment respects human rights, fundamental freedoms and human dignity, safeguarding individuals and societies.