BRICS Working Group on Science, Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship: Structure, Tasks, and Achievements

Although initially the main goal of forming this working group was knowledge exchange and technology development, over time collaborations between participating institutions emerged. The types of representatives participating in this working group indicate the priorities and key areas in BRICS countries, such as intellectual property issues in South Africa or matters related to incubators and accelerators in India.

As shown in the diagram, members of the working group first aim to reach a shared understanding of the concept of innovation, considering the conditions and needs of each country, in order to define collaboration mechanisms and implement joint projects. For a country like Iran, cooperation with other members can be a valuable opportunity.

This working group carries out multiple tasks to achieve its goals:

• Creating synergy in BRICS innovation and entrepreneurship policies;
• Defining and approving effective criteria and mechanisms for attracting entrepreneurs and industries;
• Developing joint programs for creating and commercializing services and products;
• Defining mechanisms for joint financing and investment;
• Establishing bidding procedures and investor partners;
• Utilizing the capacity of bilateral and multilateral cooperation among BRICS countries.

Working Group Composition

China and India act as coordinating countries.

Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation – Brazil

Department of Science & Technology – India

Association of Science Parks & Business Incubators – India

Center for Innovation, Growth & Entrepreneurship – India

Ministry of Science & Technology – China

Shanghai Technological Innovation Center – China

International Technology Transfer Network – China

National Intellectual Property Office – South Africa

Innovative Technology Organization – South Africa

Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN)

National University of Science & Technology (MISIS) – Russia

Achievements and Actions

Session 1:

Held in Bangalore, India; adoption of key concepts and work areas.

Session 2:

Held in Kunming, China; decision to establish the BRICS Innovation Network.

Session 3:

Brazil; follow-up on the establishment of Technology Transfer Center and Innovation Network.

Session 4:

Online hosted by Russia; reviewing members’ innovation policies.

Session 5:

Online hosted by India; evaluation of innovation achievements.

Session 6:

Hosted by India; adoption of BRICS Innovation Program 2021–2024.

In the 7th session in Brazil, the action plan for 2025–2028 and strategic documents of the Innovation Network and Technology Transfer Center will be approved.