Neuroethicists’ Perspectives on Ethical Issues in Neurotechnology Industry-Academia Partnerships

Neurotechnology is a rapidly growing area in medicine. New neurotechnologies are often developed through partnerships between industry and academia (i.e., "IA partnerships"). These partnerships face ethical challenges due to differing goals and priorities among stakeholders (e.g. scientific vs. fiduciary obligations). We interviewed neuroethicists (N = 15) to understand their perspectives on prominent ethical issues and potential solutions. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts revealed 12 themes. These themes included the potential for industry to unduly influence research, increasing communication among stakeholders, needing clearer and more transparent data management practices, prioritizing patients and involving them in device development, protecting scientific integrity and institutional reputation, enhancing informed consent, recognizing the unique challenges posed by neurotechnology, considering both short- and long-term impacts of neurotechnology, and increasing oversight of IA partnerships. Future research should explore how best to address these challenges through new policies, practices, regulations, and patient education.