BRICS Strengthens Scientific Collaboration, Focuses on Socially Relevant Areas and AI
BRICS, a significant global collective, has increasingly focused on science, technology, and innovation (STI) cooperation, expanding beyond basic science to socially relevant areas like energy, water, health, and environment. The group's membership has grown to include countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran, fostering knowledge exchange and collaborative research. Initiatives like the BRICS Action Plan for Innovation Cooperation and the BRICS Technology Transfer Centre aim to build shared capacities. While significant progress is seen in ICT and HPC, challenges remain in areas requiring heavy infrastructure and due to uneven participation from new members. The 2025 Declaration on AI elevates artificial intelligence as a central pillar of multilateral governance.
Key Points
- BRICS has significantly enhanced scientific, technological, and innovation (STI) cooperation since 2011, expanding to include socially relevant areas.
- The group's membership has grown to include countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran, fostering broader collaboration.
- Initiatives such as the BRICS Action Plan for Innovation Cooperation and the BRICS Technology Transfer Centre aim to build shared capacities and promote technology transfer.
- While progress is notable in ICT and HPC, challenges persist in areas requiring heavy infrastructure and due to uneven participation from new members.
- The 2025 Declaration on AI positions artificial intelligence as a central pillar for multilateral governance, reflecting a strategic shift.
Exam Facts
- BRICS cooperation in STI was formally recognized in 2011.
- The first BRICS Action Plan for Innovation Cooperation was from 2017-2020.
- The 2025 Declaration on AI elevated artificial intelligence to a central pillar of multilateral governance.
- BRICS+ membership includes Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran.
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.