On November 13, 2020, the 8th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Ministerial Meeting was held virtually, hosted by Russia. This meeting brought together the science and technology ministers from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to discuss cooperation in science and technology among the BRICS nations.

Host and Format

The meeting was hosted by Russia, which held the BRICS Presidency in 2020. Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting was conducted virtually, allowing ministers and delegates to participate safely from their respective countries.

Participants

Key participants included:

• Valery Falkov, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation
• Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and Health & Family Welfare of India
• Marcos Pontes, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Brazil
• Wang Zhigang, Minister of Science and Technology of China
• Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology of South Africa

Detailed Outcomes and Discussions

BRICS STI Declaration 2020

The declaration covered several key areas:

1. Innovation Ecosystems: Emphasis on developing and strengthening national innovation ecosystems.
2. Digital Economy: Recognition of the importance of digital technologies in economic growth.
3. Sustainable Development: Commitment to using STI to achieve sustainable development goals.
4. Human Capital: Focus on nurturing talent and promoting STEM education.

COVID-19 Response

The ministers discussed various aspects of the pandemic response:

1. Research Collaboration: Encouragement of joint research projects on COVID-19 diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments.
2. Data Sharing: Agreement to enhance sharing of scientific data and information related to the pandemic.
3. Technology Solutions: Exploration of technological solutions for remote work, education, and healthcare.

Ongoing and Future Projects

The meeting highlighted several ongoing and proposed projects:

1. BRICS Network University: Plans to strengthen this initiative for academic collaboration.
2. Young Scientist Forum: Continued support for the BRICS Young Scientist Forum to nurture emerging talent.
3. Innovation Cooperation: Discussion on establishing a BRICS Innovation Launchpad to support startups and innovators.
4. Space Cooperation: Proposals for enhanced cooperation in space technology and exploration.

Thematic Areas of Focus

The ministers identified key areas for future collaboration:

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
2. Quantum Technologies
3. Photonics
4. Biotechnology and Biomedicine
5. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
6. Material Sciences and Nanotechnology

Implementation Mechanisms

Working Groups

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of existing working groups in areas such as:

• Information and Communication Technologies
• Biotechnology and Biomedicine
• Ocean and Polar Science
• Material Science and Nanotechnology

Funding and Resources

Discussions included ways to:

• Enhance funding for joint research projects
• Facilitate researcher mobility among BRICS countries
• Share research infrastructure and facilities

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The 8th BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. The ministers agreed to meet again in 2021, with India as the host country for the 9th BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting.This expanded version provides a more comprehensive overview of the meeting, its participants, discussions, and outcomes, highlighting the multifaceted nature of BRICS cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.