The webinar “Harnessing the simultaneous booms of AI and neurotechnology: How the brain economy can guide us toward global flourishing” was organised by the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association – EMEA and the EU-Mediterranean and African Network for Economic Studies-EMANES in collaboration with Neuro-Policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, the Brain Capital Alliance, and the Brain Economy Hub as a Pre-Conference activity for the EMANES Annual Conference 2024. The event took place online on 10 December 2024.
Closing the Webinar EMEA President Prof. Rym Ayadi highlighted: “As AI and neurotechnology converge responsibly, the brain economy emerges as a transformative framework, redefining prosperity by prioritizing mental well-being, cognitive equity, and human flourishing in the 21st century.”
Dr. Harris Eyre Executive Director, Brain Capital Alliance and Brain Economy Hub and EMEA advisor underlined: “Neurotechology and AI have the potential for major brain benefits but also for major harms. They also have the potential to widen inequality. As the brain economy model continues to emerge, we must ensure it integrates, incentivizes, and guides responsible innovation in neurotechnology and AI. An emphasis on building brain capital and preserving cognitive liberty must be primary.”
The webinar explored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and neurotechnology in shaping the emerging “brain economy,” which emphasizes brain health and skills as drivers of economic growth. It examined the integration of AI and neurotechnology—such as brain-computer interfaces and neuroimaging—to address brain disorders, personalize treatments, and optimize brain health.
Agenda
Moderator: Prof. Rym Ayadi. Founder and President, of the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association, Co-founder of the Brain Capital Alliance and the Brain Economy Hub
Speakers:
- John Ngai PhD, Director, NIH BRAIN Initiative
- Harris Eyre MD PhD, Lead and Senior Fellow, Neuro-Policy, Rice University Baker Institute for Public Policy, Executive Director, Brain Capital Alliance and Brain Economy Hub
- Boniface Kakhobwe, Early Childhood Development Specialist, UNICEF
- Amy Kruse PhD, General Partner and Chief Investment Officer, Satori Neuro
- Behnaam Aazhang PhD, Director, Neuroengineering Initiative, Rice University
Link to event video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw3SpM2hP5k
