BRICS Advances Science and Innovation Agenda With Focus on Youth and Digital Infrastructure

The BRICS bloc is prioritizing the strengthening of its science, technology, and innovation ecosystem, alongside promoting youth involvement, as outlined during the 45th Meeting of the Science, Technology, and Innovation Management Committee on March 25. This virtual session marked the start of India's BRICS presidency and introduced a new conceptual guideline focusing on cooperation among member nations, fostering emerging knowledge areas, and consolidating BRICS' role in the global South. A significant initiative under discussion is a high-speed submarine cable network to connect BRICS countries, enhancing digital autonomy and connectivity, a project originally proposed during Brazil's 2025 presidency and now under technical and economic review for funding.

During Brazil's presidency in 2025, over 60 thematic meetings were conducted involving public managers, researchers, and young scientists, covering AI, biotechnology, and disaster monitoring. Brazilian Minister Luciana Santos led the development of a new Innovation Action Plan. A notable outcome was the first joint call for innovation projects targeting companies and scientific institutions, with results anticipated in the first half of 2026. Further international calls for strategic research are advancing with support from Brazil's CNPq and Finep.

Brazil's technology and science sectors continue to progress, supported by government-backed research initiatives fostering collaboration between academia and industry. These efforts aim to boost Brazil’s position in the global technology landscape, complementing its leadership role within BRICS' science and innovation cooperation, which has evolved over more than a decade and expanded to 11 nations.