Neurotechnology at the OECD: The role of the private sector in governance

Emerging neurotechnologies offer significant potential for the promotion of health, well-being, and economy. At the same time, neurotechnology raises issues of (brain) data privacy, the prospects of human enhancement, the regulation and marketing of direct-to-consumer devices, the vulnerability of cognitive patterns for commercial or political manipulation, and further inequalities in use and access. Engaging this challenging terrain, the member countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have recently enacted Council Recommendation on Responsible Innovation in Neurotechnology. The Recommendation is the first international instrument in its field. This article discusses the context and content of the Recommendation, highlighting its unique “responsible innovation” approach which spotlights the role of the private sector in technology governance.