Bridging neuroscience and economics: a systematic review of neuroeconomic decision-making

Neuroeconomics is an emerging multidisciplinary field that examines the brain mechanisms underlying economic decision-making by combining tools from neuroscience, economics, and psychology. While economics traditionally studies how limited resources are allocated, neuroscience provides powerful measurement techniques to analyze brain activity. Therefore, neuroeconomics is a new research area that should be further investigated. The Author conducted the study with three main objectives. They are (1) synthesize the current knowledge in neuroeconomics, (2) identify gaps in the existing literature, and (3) suggest possible research directions to address these gaps. A SLR (systematic literature review) was used for the research and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) rules were followed in the selection, analysis, and reporting of the articles. The databases utilized to look for the papers were Lens.org and Scopus from year 2005 to year 2025. The search phrase and criterion were "neuroeconomics" & “neuroscience”. 50 articles are included in the final review. After that, the results for analysis were produced using programs of Vosviewer and Biblioshiny. Results show that neuroeconomics focuses on how different brain regions evaluate subjective value, influence social and financial decision-making, and interact with emotions and cognitive biases. Neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) have been used. Thematic analysis revealed seven research clusters: AI & Behavioral Sciences, Emotional & Social Cognition, Computational & Motivational Neuroscience, Neural Mechanisms of Value, Strategic & Neurofinance, Technology & Decision Utility, and Neuroethics & Psychological Approaches. Research gaps exist in diagnostic imaging, evoked potentials, subjective value, and artificial intelligence, emphasize the need for deeper investigation in these areas. This paper highlights the need for broader database coverage and proposes integrating more diverse methodologies in future research. By linking neuroscience with economic theory, neuroeconomics offers valuable contributions to consumer research, finance, and policymaking.