Neuroelectric interfaces enable the recording, transmission, and manipulation of neural signals. Non-invasive methods (e.g. EEG-based systems) do not require direct bodily intervention, whereas neural implants are connected to the peripheral nervous system or brain either temporarily or permanently. The latter allow direct signal transmission with high spatial precision and comparatively high data rates, and in some cases, bidirectional transmission.

Research and development activities have so far focused primarily on medical applications, such as neuroprosthetic systems, implants for treating neurological or psychiatric disorders, and communication aids for people with severe paralysis. In recent years, significant progress has been made in these areas, partly due to the miniaturisation of electrodes, new materials, and advances in AI-supported signal processing.

TAB last examined the state of development of neurotechnological applications and related visions of neurotechnological enhancement in 2016 (TAB Working Report No. 167: Technologies and Visions of Human-Machine Boundary Dissolution). At that time, the analysis concluded that medical applications were the key driver of development, while applications for enhancing the abilities of healthy people were likely to remain largely theoretical for the foreseeable future. High technical and medical development requirements, as well as limited market potential, were identified as major obstacles.

Against the backdrop of current developments, however, a reassessment is warranted. These include the approval of the first clinical trials involving invasive brain implants in the USA, as well as a significant increase in private investment in neurotechnology companies in recent years.

Objective and approach

The TA Compact study aims to analyse the current state of development and prospects of invasive and non-invasive neuroelectric interfaces, as well as their social, ethical, and regulatory implications. The focus is on the following key questions:

• What technological and clinical advances have been made in recent years, and in which fields of application is research and development concentrated?
• How can the development status and prospects of the various applications be evaluated, and what are the key medical, technical, and economic challenges?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the German research and innovation landscape in this area?
• Which non-medical applications are being discussed or tested, and how realistic are they at present?
• What social, ethical, and regulatory issues arise from current developments, and can these be used to inform the need for adjustments to regulation and governance?

Building on the 2016 TAB study, this report provides an update on the state of research and application of invasive and non-invasive neuroelectric interfaces, based on current scientific literature and selected expert interviews.

In addition to medical and non-medical application perspectives, key ethical discussion points are summarised. Based on this information, the report identifies possible regulatory gaps, classifies Germany's position in the international research and innovation context, and highlights starting points for responsible national and international governance in the field of neurotechnologies.