BRICS Summit Overview and Importance
The 17th annual BRICS summit took place in Rio de Janeiro on July 6, 2025, with key global leaders in attendance. The BRICS grouping, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, plays a significant role in global GDP, scientific and technological capacity, natural resources, and population. The group aims to challenge Western hegemony and promote a multipolar world system.
Scientific and Technological Cooperation
- Although BRICS' positions on global finance and macro-economic issues are well-known, their collaboration in science, technology, and innovation (STI) is less publicized.
- BRICS serves as a platform to coordinate strategies and amplify their collective voice in global economic governance.
- The 2022 launch of BRICS+ aims to reduce technological dependency and foster development and political cooperation across the Global South.
Evolution of STI Cooperation
- Since 2011, STI cooperation has been part of the BRICS agenda, formalized with a 2015 memorandum of understanding.
- The BRICS Action Plan for Innovation Cooperation (2017-2020) focused on entrepreneurship networks and technology transfer.
- Recent initiatives include iBRICs and the BRICS Technology Transfer Centre (TTC), although large-scale technology commercialisation is limited.
Focus Areas and Progress
The focus of BRICS joint research has shifted from basic science to socially relevant areas like energy, health, and the environment. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards public health and digital health.
- Significant progress is seen in ICT and HPC, with the establishment of the BRICS Institute of Future Networks.
- Space cooperation has advanced post a 2021 intergovernmental agreement.
- Challenges remain in infrastructure-heavy projects like mega-science and ocean research.
AI and Future Plans
- The 2025 Declaration on AI makes artificial intelligence a central pillar of multilateral governance.
- Future plans focus on biotechnology, climate tech, industrial innovation, and AI.
- Under India’s 2026 Presidency, the theme is "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability."
BRICS+ Expansion Challenges
- The expansion of BRICS+ includes new members like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Indonesia.
- New members’ participation in proposals varies, and there is a need to assess and strengthen their innovation systems.
Comparisons and Recommendations
- BRICS can learn from EU's STI programs, which offer a broader variety of options.
- Intense competition for funding with relatively modest total funding available.
- Experts suggest developing a central mechanism, similar to the EU’s Horizon Program, for sustainable STI cooperation.
Conclusion
While STI cooperation within BRICS has significantly progressed, there is room for improvement. India, as the chair of BRICS+ in 2026, has the opportunity to lead this transition towards a more effective and agile framework.
