With the aim of transforming artificial intelligence (AI) from an exclusive technology into a global public tool, BRICS member countries are increasingly redefining their position in the architecture of the future digital economy. AI has the potential to become one of the most effective tools for strengthening a multipolar world and reducing the development gap in the Global South, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education, food security, and urban management.
For instance, in a world where, according to the World Health Organization, there are on average only 17 doctors per 10,000 people, AI-based remote diagnostic systems can play a critical role in saving millions of lives. Simultaneously, AI applications in personalized education, optimization of agricultural supply chains, climate change forecasting, and energy efficiency position this technology as a key driver of sustainable development in BRICS countries. For this reason, nearly all members of the bloc have been formulating and implementing national AI development strategies over the past decade.
In this context, China launched its Artificial Intelligence Development Plan in 2017, setting a clear target to become the global leader in AI by 2030. The country leads in areas such as human capital, technological maturity, infrastructure accessibility, and ethical frameworks, with AI increasingly integrated into its governmental, industrial, and public service infrastructure.
India, with tens of thousands of tech entrepreneurs and a focus on digital services in 2018; Russia, with large-scale public projects in healthcare, transportation, and urban management in 2019; Brazil in 2021; and South Africa in 2024, finalized strategic documents emphasizing the link between AI, economic growth, public service enhancement, and human capacity building. Each of these strategies plays a distinct role in the BRICS AI ecosystem, creating high potential for technological synergy within the bloc.
Code;1054-20260126
