Neuroscience applications in business

Neuroscience is an emerging field in business life and most of the studies conducted on the topic are conceptual. In this study, how neuroscience applications take place in business is examined. In this context, the advantages and disadvantages of neuroscience applications and how neuroscience was defined were investigated within the framework of research questions. The study was carried out in a qualitative pattern, and 14 interviews were conducted with academicians and company owners or managers working in the field. The interview texts were examined by content analysis and as a result, three main themes have emerged. The first theme is about the content of neuroscience. Regarding the content of neuroscience, the most mentioned themes are its interdisciplinary nature, its basis on brain science and its dependence on foreign sources. It is emphasized by the participants that although neuroscience applications are effective in Turkey, its external dependence is high. The second theme consists of advantages of neuroscience applications. The advantages of neuroscience applications are mainly classified as marketing related advantages, efficiency related advantages and competition related topics. On the other hand, the final theme is about disadvantages of neuroscience applications. Although the statements about the disadvantages of neuroscience research are limited, it has been observed that most of them are about the susceptibility of these applications to abuses. Moreover, growing ethical concerns about the applications are also expressed. In accordance, this study provides current situation of neuroscience applications in businesses based on expert opinions.