East Asian perspective of responsible research and innovation in neurotechnology

Abstract

After more than half a century of research and development (R&D), Brain–computer interface (BCI)-based Neurotechnology continues to progress as one of the leading technologies of the 2020 s worldwide. Various reports and academic literature in Europe and the United States (U.S.) have outlined the trends in the R&D of neurotechnology and the consideration of ethical issues, and the importance of the formulation of ethical principles, guidance and industrial standards as well as the development of relevant human resources has been discussed. However, limited number studies have focused on neurotechnology R&D, the dissemination of neuroethics related to the academic foundation advancing the discussion on ethical principles, guidance and standards or human resource development in the Asian region. This study fills in this gap in understanding of Eastern Asian (China, Korea and Japan) situation based on the participation in activities to develop ethical principles, guidance, and industrial standards for appropriate use of neurotechnology, in addition to literature survey and clinical registries’ search investigation reflecting the trends in neurotechnology R&D as well as its social implication in Asian region. The current study compared the results with the situation in Europa and the U.S. and discussed issues that need to be addressed in the future and discussed the significance and potential of corporate consortium initiatives in Japan and examples of ethics and governance activities in Asian Countries.