Neurotechnology is a rapidly emerging field with vast economic potential. Applications range from enhancing cognitive performance in healthy individuals to developing advanced treatments for neurological disorders. This could lead to significant cost savings in healthcare and generate new revenue streams in consumer markets. However, there are also some risks associated with neurotechnologies including potential side effects, as well as a lack of long-term research on the effectiveness of neurotechnologies, which could lead to ineffective of even harmful treatments. Despite the growing interest in neurotechnologies, it is equally important to ensure that any development and regulation of these technologies is carried out responsibly and ethically. For that purpose, a horizon scan of neurotechnologies was performed. The scope of this project covers three key healthcare areas – mental health, healthy ageing, and physical disability – which encompass conditions which are promising targets for neurotechnology. This report provides an overview of the neurotechnologies that are being developed and those that have recently been approved for mental health, healthy aging, and physical disability, as well as assessing the challenges and opportunities associated with neurotechnology innovation. Along with the horizon scan, a literature review was performed, and a survey was distributed to gather patient and public views on neurotechnology.
Horizon Scanning Report: Neurotechnology for Mental Health, Healthy Ageing and Physical Disability
This report provides a comprehensive overview of neurotechnologies in development and those that have recently been approved to enter the healthcare market for mental health, healthy ageing, and physical disability, along with the challenges and opportunities associated with neurotechnology innovation.