Responsible innovation in neurotechnology helps ensure that advances in understanding, recording and influencing brain and nervous system activity serve human well-being while respecting human rights. Embedding safety, transparency and accountability across the research, development and deployment lifecycle builds public confidence in emerging neurotechnologies. The OECD Recommendation on Responsible Innovation in Neurotechnology provides a shared framework for aligning neurotechnology development and use with ethical principles and societal needs.
Neurotechnology
Neurotechnology encompasses devices and procedures that access, monitor, assess or influence the structure and function of the brain and nervous system. Advances in neuroscience, engineering and data science are driving rapid innovation, from neurological and mental health care to communication and human-computer interaction. These technologies hold great promise for health and well-being, but also raise important questions around autonomy, privacy, safety, equity and trust. Sound policy must enable responsible innovation, maximising the benefits of neurotechnology while managing its risks.
Key messages
Neurotechnology can transform the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of neurological and mental health conditions. Neurostimulation, brain-computer interfaces and neurodata-enabled tools can support rehabilitation, restore lost functions and improve quality of life for patients, caregivers and wider populations. Realising these benefits requires sustained investment in research and clinical evidence, and innovation ecosystems that connect neuroscience, engineering, health systems and industry to translate discoveries into safe, effective applications.
Anticipatory governance helps societies keep pace with the speed, uncertainty and convergence of neurotechnology innovation, from brain-computer interfaces to neurodata analytics and cognitive enhancement. Forward-looking, adaptive approaches allow governments, researchers, industry and civil society to identify emerging opportunities and risks early, before harms materialise. The OECD Framework for Anticipatory Governance of Emerging Technologies points to strategic foresight, agile governance and international co-operation as key tools for navigating this change responsibly.
Neurotechnology raises important questions about mental privacy, cognitive liberty and human dignity. Because it can generate highly sensitive data about mental states and behaviour, strong safeguards are essential to protect people from misuse and harm. Protecting brain data and ensuring informed consent reduces risks of discrimination, manipulation, and unequal power relationships. Human-centred governance is key to maintaining trust and safeguarding fundamental rights.
Neurotechnology should be developed in ways that are accessible, participatory and responsive to diverse populations and societal needs. Broad-based innovation and international collaboration can help strengthen shared standards and broader participation in neurotechnology research, development and access. Achieving equitable outcomes requires attention to socio-economic, cultural, sex-related and age-related differences in both research and deployment. Partnerships among governments, researchers, industry, clinicians and civil society, combined with public dialogue and international co-operation, support the responsible exchange of neurotechnology knowledge and data and help ensure its benefits are shared broadly across society.
Context
Growth in neurotechnology clinical trials
Clinical trial activity in four key areas of neurotechnology – neuroimaging, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), neuromodulation and neurological devices – has increased substantially since 2005, reflecting growing research and innovation activities. These technologies are being explored for a wide range of applications, including improving the understanding, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of neurological and mental health conditions. Increased clinical trial activity highlights the expanding efforts to translate advances in neuroscience and engineering into safe and effective real-world applications.
OECD work on anticipatory governance and responsible innovation in neurotechnology
Leaders from neuroscience, technology, policy, investment, and lived experience gathered in California for the Asilomar for the Brain and Mind conference in March 2026. This event focused on translating neuroethics principles into practical tools to guide real-world decision making across research, development, investment and governance.
In this video, David Winickoff (OECD) talks with Karen Rommelfanger (Ningen Neuroethics Co-lab) about the OECD's work on anticipatory governance of emerging technologies and the OECD Recommendation on Responsible Innovation in Neurotechnology.
What are the key issues in responsible neurotechnology innovation?
When is the right moment to govern neurotechnology? How can we earn citizen trust to foster responsible innovation? What international norms have been developed to guide these efforts? This video presents highlights from expert discussions at the OECD virtual workshop “Neurotechnology in and for society: Deliberation, stewardship and trust”.
Additional resources
Winickoff, D. (2021), Neurotechnology at the OECD: The Role of the Private Sector in Governance, Annales des Mines – Réalités Industrielles.
Winickoff, D., L. Kreiling and L. Lennad (2024), The Global Governance of Neurotechnology: The Need for an Ecosystem Approach, AJOB Neurosci.
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