From trade-offs to translation: An interdisciplinary roadmap for neurotechnology

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Neurotechnologies integrate sensing, computation, and stimulation for brain-body interaction.
• These technologies have potential applications in clinical and non-clinical settings, including disease treatment and cognitive enhancement.
• Development necessitates interdisciplinary collaboration across diverse scientific and engineering fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a strategic roadmap for neurotechnology development and translation.
• To identify and analyze key cross-cutting trade-offs in neurotechnology.
• To propose a framework for collaborative innovation and address ethical considerations.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of five key developmental trade-offs: functionality vs. stability, innovation vs. scalability, resolution vs. real-time capability, integration vs. adaptability, and complexity vs. translatability.
• Identification of shared challenges and strategic opportunities across disciplines.
• Development of a unified framework for interdisciplinary collaboration and education.

Main Results:

• Five critical trade-offs identified that influence neurotechnology development and clinical translation.
• A strategic roadmap proposed to guide future research and development efforts.
• Ethical and regulatory priorities highlighted alongside a timeline for overcoming developmental bottlenecks.

Conclusions:

• Neurotechnology development requires addressing complex interdisciplinary challenges and strategic trade-offs.
• A collaborative, framework-based approach is essential for advancing neurotechnology.
• Overcoming key bottlenecks necessitates focused efforts on innovation, scalability, integration, and translatability.