Macroeconomic Effects of High-Bandwidth Neural Lace Technology and Comparative Policy Considerations
Conference Year
January 2020
Abstract
In July 2019, Neuralink announced their progress in developing a high bandwidth, implantable, brain–machine interface (BMI). Among many exciting possibilities, the Neuralink project may ultimately address brain disorders and create the potential for a positive artificial intelligence outcome through human symbiosis. Currently, information transfer and human productivity are constrained to an individual’s natural information input and output speeds. At its simplest, this rate of transfer is represented by visual information inputs to the human eyes, and the comparatively slower output of typing, dicating, or writing, which limits the productivity of workers in information-based settings. From a macroeconomic perspective, the possibility for increased worker-machine bandwidth through a BMI applies directly to a radical increase in worker productivity and ultimately economic growth and standards of living. Using the latest bandwidth estimates for information transfer through BMIs, a modifier for worker productivity can be created and modeled. These changes can then be compared to the effectiveness of prospective future policy alternatives and recommendations -- including levels of education investment -- needed to achieve the same outcome on growth and standards of living.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Nathalie G. Mathieu-Bolh
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Economics
Primary Research Category
Social Sciences
Macroeconomic Effects of High-Bandwidth Neural Lace Technology and Comparative Policy Considerations
In July 2019, Neuralink announced their progress in developing a high bandwidth, implantable, brain–machine interface (BMI). Among many exciting possibilities, the Neuralink project may ultimately address brain disorders and create the potential for a positive artificial intelligence outcome through human symbiosis. Currently, information transfer and human productivity are constrained to an individual’s natural information input and output speeds. At its simplest, this rate of transfer is represented by visual information inputs to the human eyes, and the comparatively slower output of typing, dicating, or writing, which limits the productivity of workers in information-based settings. From a macroeconomic perspective, the possibility for increased worker-machine bandwidth through a BMI applies directly to a radical increase in worker productivity and ultimately economic growth and standards of living. Using the latest bandwidth estimates for information transfer through BMIs, a modifier for worker productivity can be created and modeled. These changes can then be compared to the effectiveness of prospective future policy alternatives and recommendations -- including levels of education investment -- needed to achieve the same outcome on growth and standards of living.