The Neurotechnology Shift From Medical Innovation to Societal Transformation
IE University | José M. Muñoz
Principal Investigator
José M. Muñoz
General Description
The Neurotechnology Shift is an interdisciplinary research project that examines the transition of neurotechnologies from strictly medical settings to non-clinical applications with broad societal impact. Technologies such as brain–computer interfaces, neural decoding systems, and non-invasive brain stimulation are increasingly moving beyond hospitals into domains including work, education, consumer markets, security, and leisure.
This shift is redefining human–machine interaction and creating new opportunities for innovation and human flourishing. At the same time, it introduces unprecedented challenges related to mental privacy, equity, responsibility, the protection of fundamental rights, and regulatory fragmentation, calling for new governance frameworks.
Objectives / Research Lines
Translation of medical neurotechnologies into non-clinical contexts
Study of how neurotechnologies originally developed for therapeutic purposes are being adapted, commercialized, and integrated into non-clinical environments such as work, education, and consumer applications.
Development trajectories and business models of non-invasive brain–computer interfaces
Comparative analysis of markets, investment patterns, and regulatory environments in Europe and the United States to better understand innovation dynamics and commercialization pathways.
Ethical dilemmas associated with the widespread use of neurotechnologies
Focused examination of issues related to mental privacy, equitable access, responsibility, and emerging risks to fundamental rights.
Governance and regulatory coordination
Identification of regulatory gaps and analysis of emerging challenges in neurotechnology governance, with proposals for anticipatory governance frameworks at regional and global levels.
Expected Results
Academic publications.
Public policy reports.
Policy briefs addressed to governments, regulators, technology companies, and international organizations.
Expected Impact
