Deputy Director of the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge of the HSE University (ISSEK HSE), Professor Alexander Sokolov, and Head of the ISSEK HSE Laboratory for Science and Technology Studies Liliana Proskuryakova made presentations on futures studies and promising areas of science and technology development in different industries and sectors of economy. Alexander noted, “Science and technology play a vital role in ensuring social and technological development in all countries. Technology foresight is the key instrument for assessing science, technology, and innovation (STI) prospects, STI priority setting, designing effective science and technology policies. Nearly all BRICS countries already apply this instrument for achieving technological sovereignty and searching for technological solutions that increase global competitiveness. HSE University has for many years closely interacted with all BRICS countries in advancing technology foresight. Today’s seminar is another step to strengthening this cooperation with a focus on involving new members in technology forecasting activities.”
At the workshop, representatives of research organizations from BRICS countries, among other topics, spoke at the workshop about South African science and technology agenda, science and technology cooperation between Russia and the Middle East countries, science and technology ecosystems encompassing Egypt and its regional and international partners, and university-industry cooperation on sustainable energy in Ethiopia. At the session on new risks for technological sustainability, representatives from China, India, and Brazil discussed competitiveness of the BRICS countries in addressing science and technology issues, as well as the need for their own research and development in the era of technological protectionism.
At the workshop sessions, the participants jointly sought answers to questions about how the BRICS countries position themselves in the global technological landscape, how to develop advanced technologies when the international technological transfer is limited, and where we can achieve technological sustainability.