Over the last decade, BRICS has transformed from a purely economic forum into a powerful technological force shaping the future of global innovation. Originally consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the grouping has now expanded to include several new nations, further strengthening its geopolitical presence. As the world enters a new phase dominated by artificial intelligence, digital ecosystems, and advanced space technologies, BRICS members have realized that the next big leap in global influence will emerge from strategic cooperation in science and technology.

This evolution has led to an unprecedented level of collaboration among BRICS nations, especially in the areas of AI, space research, and digital technologies. These countries collectively represent nearly half of the world’s population, enormous pools of data, strong scientific talent, and rapidly growing digital economies. 

Their joint efforts reflect a shared ambition: to reduce reliance on Western technology, build sovereign innovation ecosystems, and shape a new multipolar technological order. This article explores in depth how BRICS nations are building these technological partnerships and what the future of this collaboration looks like.

BRICS Collaboration in Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence has become the core of global technological competition. BRICS countries recognize that AI will determine future economic strength, defence capabilities, and digital sovereignty. As a result, they have established a collaborative framework that connects their research institutions, data ecosystems, and innovation networks.

One of the most important developments is the creation of the BRICS AI Working Group. This body focuses on developing a common roadmap for AI development that includes coordinated research, shared data resources, and ethical standards that reflect the values and needs of developing economies. Unlike Western AI models that often prioritize strict data privacy rules or commercial priorities, the BRICS framework emphasizes inclusive development, access for smaller countries, and responsible use of data for public welfare.

Research collaboration is growing rapidly. Leading institutions like India’s IITs, China’s Tsinghua University, Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research, and research centres in Russia and South Africa are establishing joint projects. These partnerships revolve around building AI models for agriculture, healthcare, climate forecasting, and financial security. This shared approach is helping BRICS nations reduce development costs and accelerate innovation in areas where they share common challenges, such as food security, disease prediction, and rural development.

Healthcare has emerged as one of the strongest areas of cooperation. BRICS nations are creating AI-driven systems for disease surveillance, early detection of outbreaks, and improving access to medical diagnostics in rural regions. The experience gained during COVID-19 pushed these countries to build stronger, AI-driven public health infrastructures that can respond more quickly to future health threats.

Agriculture is another major area of AI adoption. Countries like India, Brazil, and Russia depend heavily on agriculture and face similar challenges such as unpredictable weather, pest infestations, and soil degradation. BRICS researchers are working together on AI tools for precision farming, satellite-based crop monitoring, and sustainable food production. This cooperation is making advanced agricultural AI more affordable and accessible across the developing world.

Fintech and financial AI are also growing. India and China lead the world in digital payments, while Russia has advanced systems for secure transaction networks. By pooling their strengths, BRICS nations are developing more secure digital payment ecosystems, fraud detection systems, and AI-driven financial inclusion tools.

Overall, BRICS cooperation in AI represents an attempt to build a technology ecosystem independent of Western control while promoting innovation tailored to the needs of emerging economies.

BRICS Cooperation in Space Technology

Space technology has become another strong pillar of BRICS collaboration. Space is no longer limited to superpowers; it has become essential for communication, weather forecasting, defence, navigation, and resource mapping. Countries like India, China, and Russia have advanced space programs, while Brazil and South Africa are emerging players. Together, they are creating a powerful combination of experience, infrastructure, and scientific expertise.

One of the most significant achievements of BRICS in space technology is the development of the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation. This project integrates multiple earth observation satellites contributed by member countries into one unified data platform. It allows scientists and governments across BRICS to access high-resolution data for studying climate change, disasters, agricultural health, biodiversity, and urban development. The shared system eliminates data access barriers and reduces the dependence on Western satellite imagery.

The constellation is not just a technical project—it is a strategic statement. By creating their own satellite network, BRICS countries are ensuring that they can collect critical data without relying on external powers. This independence is vital for national security, economic planning, and environmental monitoring.

There is also increasing discussion about future joint missions. Several proposals include potential lunar exploration missions, Mars research contributions, and co-building cost-effective satellites for communication and scientific observation. India’s cost-efficient mission capability, Russia’s experience in deep space navigation, and China’s powerful launch infrastructure create a strong foundation for future joint initiatives.

China’s role in BRICS space cooperation is particularly influential. Its BeiDou navigation system has become a central part of many BRICS projects. BeiDou is seen as an alternative to the U.S. GPS system and is being used in agriculture, navigation, logistics, and disaster warning systems across several BRICS nations. China actively supports technology transfer and joint application development with partner countries, enabling deeper integration across industries.

Brazil and South Africa are emerging as crucial players as well. Brazil has gained global recognition through its Earth observation satellite programs and its role in monitoring the Amazon rainforest. South Africa, on the other hand, is building a strong space engineering ecosystem, contributing satellite manufacturing, scientific expertise, and ground station infrastructure. Their rise ensures that BRICS cooperation is not dominated solely by the bigger players but includes meaningful participation from all members.

Together, the BRICS space partnership is building a new model of technological cooperation based on shared benefits, cost efficiency, and scientific innovation without political interference from the West.

Digital Technology Collaboration Across BRICS

Digital technology has become the backbone of economic development, public administration, and business ecosystems. BRICS nations collectively host some of the world’s largest digital populations and fastest-growing online markets. This has encouraged member nations to work together on building a unified, secure, and sovereign digital ecosystem.

One of the most ambitious initiatives is the BRICS Digital Strategy, which aims to create technology infrastructure independent of Western control. The plan focuses on strengthening digital government systems, promoting cross-border digital trade, enhancing cybersecurity, and integrating digital payment networks. As global technology becomes increasingly politicized, BRICS countries want to ensure that they maintain control over their digital assets and data.

The development of BRICS Pay is a major milestone in this direction. This system is designed to allow citizens and businesses across BRICS countries to make cross-border payments seamlessly using their local currencies. The goal is to reduce reliance on the SWIFT network, which is dominated by Western nations. If fully implemented, BRICS Pay could transform international trade by making transactions faster, cheaper, and more secure. It also aligns with broader BRICS ambitions of strengthening financial autonomy and supporting local currency usage in global trade.

Cybersecurity collaboration is equally important. The rise of digital threats, cyber warfare, and data surveillance has made national cybersecurity a top priority. BRICS countries are now sharing threat intelligence, conducting joint cyber drills, and building coordinated standards to protect data and critical infrastructure. Russia and China, in particular, bring advanced cybersecurity capabilities, while India contributes its vast IT expertise.

Digital infrastructure projects are expanding rapidly. BRICS nations are investing in sovereign data centres, digital identification systems, and cloud computing platforms. India’s digital public infrastructure—built on Aadhaar, UPI, Co-Win, and DigiLocker—has become a model for digital governance globally. Several BRICS nations are exploring how to integrate similar frameworks or collaborate with India on digital public goods.

Another area of focus is the next generation of telecommunications. China’s global leadership in 5G and ongoing research into 6G gives BRICS a strong advantage. Combined with India’s massive digital adoption, Russia’s telecom engineering, and Brazil’s expanding digital market, BRICS nations are working toward building safe, reliable, and affordable digital networks.

This collaboration represents a shift toward a new model of digital governance—one that prioritizes sovereignty, security, and technological independence.

The Role of New BRICS Members

The expansion of BRICS brings new technological strengths. The UAE has one of the world’s most advanced digital governments and a leading national AI program. Its space achievements, including the Mars mission, provide valuable experience for future BRICS space projects. Egypt is rapidly expanding its digital economy and AI-driven public services. Ethiopia is emerging as a major African tech hub with strong potential in digital finance and connectivity. Iran brings advanced cybersecurity, drone technology, and growing space capabilities to the BRICS table.

The expanded membership makes BRICS a truly global technology alliance spanning Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. This expansion strengthens technological diversity and widens the pool of talent, expertise, and resources available for joint collaboration.

Challenges in BRICS Tech Collaboration

Despite strong progress, several challenges remain. Geopolitical tensions between some member countries, especially India and China, can slow down collaborative projects. Sanctions on Russia create difficulties for engaging in certain technology transfers. There is also technological asymmetry within the group, with countries like China and Russia far ahead in defence and space technology compared to Brazil or South Africa.

Differences in data protection laws, cybersecurity regulations, and digital governance frameworks create additional complexities. Funding for large-scale projects is another issue, as BRICS does not yet have an integrated financing mechanism for technological ventures.

However, despite these obstacles, the long-term commitment to collaboration remains strong. Member countries understand that joint action gives them greater leverage in global technology ecosystems.

The Future of BRICS Tech Cooperation

By 2030, BRICS aims to emerge as a major global technological force. The collaboration currently underway points toward a future where BRICS countries could develop joint AI supercomputers, shared space research missions, unified digital payment systems, and coordinated cybersecurity networks. There are also discussions around creating BRICS-based cloud infrastructure, building a digital trade network independent of Western platforms, and exploring quantum computing partnerships.

If these ambitions materialize, BRICS will not only become a technological powerhouse but also redefine the global balance of innovation and digital governance.

Conclusion

The collaboration of BRICS nations in artificial intelligence, space technology, and digital infrastructure marks the beginning of a new era of technological multipolarity. What started as an economic grouping has evolved into a dynamic partnership that is building alternatives to Western-dominated technology ecosystems. By sharing data, research, infrastructure, and innovation, BRICS nations are shaping a future where developing countries have greater access, more independence, and stronger technological sovereignty.

As AI becomes more advanced, space missions become more common, and digital ecosystems become more critical for daily life, the collective strength of BRICS nations will play a defining role in the global technological landscape. Their collaboration is not just a strategic necessity—it is a vision of a more inclusive, diversified, and balanced technological future.