9th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation meeting

Context

In order to increase cooperation in the areas of Science, Technology and Innovation, India requested the BRICS countries to come forward and collaborate. 

• This was the 9th BRICS science and technology ministers meeting chaired by India’s Minister for Science and Technology.

Key-Highlights

• During the meeting, BRICS countries come together and innovate cost-effective, sustainable, affordable, accessible, and scalable scientific solutions, because they face similar and unique challenges.
• They are  working towards a rightful place for BRICS countries, in the Global Innovation Index.
• The year 2021 marks the completion of 15 years of BRICS cooperation and the overall theme adopted was ‘BRICS@15: Intra-BRICS Cooperation for continuity, consolidation and consensus’.
• India has prepared the Innovation Cooperation Action Plan 2021-24 with support from BRICS countries.
• This action plan consists of new initiatives that will not only benefit the citizens but will expand to the BRICS nations.

Aim of the meeting

• To innovate and make innovation cost-effective, affordable, accessible, sustainable and scalable
• Offer scientific solutions to the upcoming challenges.
• To increase preparedness and response to pandemic-like situations.