The 5th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Ministerial Meeting took place in Hangzhou, China, on July 17-18, 2017. This meeting brought together the science and technology ministers from the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—to discuss and promote collaboration in the fields of science, technology, and innovation. The meeting was significant in fostering cooperation among these emerging economies, with the aim of harnessing their collective scientific and technological capabilities to drive sustainable development and address common challenges.

Key Outcomes and Agreements

1. Hangzhou Declaration: The ministers adopted the Hangzhou Declaration, which emphasized the importance of innovation dialogues and STI cooperation to promote sustainable economic growth and address common developmental challenges faced by BRICS countries. The declaration highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation in areas such as clean energy, food security, public health, and digital economy.
2. Action Plan for Innovation Cooperation (2017-2020): An action plan was established to enhance socio-economic progress through scientific and technological innovation. This plan aims to:
   • Support research and development projects in areas of mutual interest and benefit.
   • Foster partnerships between public and private sectors to facilitate the commercialization of research outcomes.
   • Promote open science and technology sharing to ensure equitable access to knowledge and resources.
   • Enhance skills training and increase the participation of women and youth in STI activities to build a diverse and inclusive innovation ecosystem.
3. BRICS Framework Programme: The meeting acknowledged the success of the BRICS Framework Programme, which had generated significant interest among research communities, resulting in numerous project proposals across various thematic areas, including water resources and pollution treatment, geospatial technology and its applications, and material science including nanotechnology. The first set of BRICS R&D projects was approved for funding, and plans for a second call for proposals were endorsed, with an emphasis on increasing the participation of young scientists and entrepreneurs.
4. Young Scientist Forum: The 2nd BRICS Young Scientist Forum occurred concurrently with the ministerial meeting, serving as a platform for young scientists and entrepreneurs from the BRICS countries to network, share ideas, and explore collaborative opportunities. The forum reinforced the commitment of the BRICS nations to nurturing future leaders in science and technology and fostering an environment that supports innovation and entrepreneurship.

Themes of Discussion and Key Priorities

The discussions at the meeting revolved around several key themes and priorities:

• Strengthening cooperation in STI among member countries through joint projects, exchange of best practices, and capacity building initiatives.
• Exploring new cooperation opportunities to tackle global challenges such as climate change, food security, and public health through the application of science, technology, and innovation.
• Enhancing joint sponsorship of multilateral R&D projects to leverage the collective strengths and resources of the BRICS nations.
• Fostering youth innovation and entrepreneurship by providing platforms for networking, mentorship, and access to funding and resources.
• Promoting gender equality and inclusivity in STI by encouraging the participation of women and underrepresented groups in research and innovation activities.

Significance and Impact

This meeting was a crucial step in solidifying the BRICS nations’ commitment to collaborative scientific advancement and innovation, setting a framework for future cooperation in these fields. The agreements and action plans adopted at the meeting have the potential to drive significant progress in areas such as clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and digital transformation, ultimately contributing to the socio-economic development of the BRICS countries and their global partners.The BRICS STI Ministerial Meetings have become an important platform for fostering multilateral cooperation and knowledge sharing among the member nations. The 5th meeting in Hangzhou built upon the successes of previous meetings and laid the groundwork for continued collaboration in the years to come, as the BRICS countries work together to harness the power of science, technology, and innovation for the betterment of their societies and the world at large.