emerging
Neurological Enhancement
Using technology to improve cognitive abilities, impacting worker performance, training, and consumer experiences.
Timeframe
long-term
Categories
Impact areas
Detailed Analysis
Neurological enhancement explores the use of technology to enhance human cognitive functions. This emerging field leverages brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) to read and decode brain activity, with the potential to write to the brain in the future. "Neurological enhancement is the process of improving a human's cognitive abilities using technologies that read and decode brain activity and optionally write to the brain." While ethical considerations are paramount, the potential applications range from accelerated learning and skill development to personalized consumer experiences. Gartner predicts significant adoption within the IT workforce, stating that "by 2030, 60% of IT workers will be enhanced by, and dependent on, technologies such as bidirectional brain-machine interfaces (BBMIs) — both employer- and self-funded — that are on the rise in 2024."
Context Signals
Advancements in neuroscience and brain-computer interfaces
Growing interest in cognitive enhancement technologies
Ethical debates surrounding the use of BMIs
Edge
Development of non-invasive BMIs for everyday use
Integration of BMIs with virtual and augmented reality
Potential for BMIs to treat neurological disorders
