Context:
BRICS nations are strengthening scientific collaboration to enhance innovation capacity and reduce dependence on Western dominance.
Key Highlights:
- Institutional Framework
- STI cooperation formalized in 2011, strengthened in 2015 MoU.
- Expansion via BRICS+ (2022) including Global South countries.
- India’s 2026 Presidency theme: Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, Sustainability.
- Key Initiatives
- BRICS Technology Transfer Centre (TTC).
- iBRICS innovation networks.
- Focus on AI governance (2025 Declaration).
- Areas of Collaboration
- Shift from basic science to applied research:
- Energy, Health, Environment
- Promotes technology transfer and entrepreneurship.
- Challenges
- Low GERD (R&D spending) compared to developed nations.
- Lack of permanent institutional mechanisms.
- Key Concepts
- Techno-nationalism: Tech for national power.
- Global South: Developing countries of Asia, Africa, Latin America.
- New Development Bank (NDB): Funds infrastructure & sustainability.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- BRICS members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa.
- Contribute ~30% of global GDP (PPP).
- NDB headquartered in Shanghai.
- BRICS+ expands outreach to developing nations.
- GERD: Indicator of R&D investment.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Strategic Importance
- Reduces dependence on Western technology ecosystems.
- Promotes multipolar global order.
- Science Diplomacy
- Strengthens South-South cooperation.
- Facilitates knowledge sharing and innovation diffusion.
- Economic & Developmental Impact
- Boosts industrial growth and digital economy.
- Supports sustainable development goals (SDGs).
- Challenges
- Uneven technological capabilities among members.
- Political differences may hinder cooperation.
- Need for long-term funding and governance mechanisms.
- Way Forward
- Establish permanent STI cooperation body (EU model).
- Increase R&D investments across BRICS.
- Launch mega-science collaborative projects.
- Focus on inclusive and ethical AI frameworks.
UPSC Relevance:
• GS 2: International Relations (BRICS, Global South)
• GS 3: Science & Technology (Innovation, AI, R&D)