Strategic analysis of neurotechnologies in Iran

The field of neurotechnology has a bright future ahead of it due to its direct impact on human health and the various technological applications. Consequently, this field is of great importance to many developed countries. As far as we know, since most of the neurotechnologies are emerging technologies, there is no proper strategic analysis for this field in the country. The purpose of this study is to determine the technology readiness level (TRL) for the branches of neurotechnology and identify and prioritize the appropriate strategies by evaluating the current state of the country in the neurotechnology field. To achieve this goal, questionnaires are distributed among 40 experts in neuroscience and neural technologies. In the strategy prioritization and data analysis step, the SWOT matrix-based method is used; then, the weights of internal and external factors are determined. After performing a pairwise comparison for selecting the top 5 strategies, a quantitative strategic planning matrix (QSPM) is used in order to rank the selected ones. The results indicate that Iran has the highest technology readiness level (level 6) in the brain-to-computer interfaces and the lowest technology readiness level (level 1) belongs to brain-to-brain interfaces. Finally, 5 top strategies which are weakness- opportunity (WO) strategies are determined.