Innovative cooperation among BRICS discussed at Skolkovo
October 19, 2018
Photo source: https://forinnovations2018.tassphoto.com
On October 17, 2018 a panel discussion on “Modern mechanisms and digital infrastructure of innovative cooperation in BRICS” was held as part of the Open Innovations Forum. The event was jointly organized by the UNIDO Centre in Russia and Skolkovo.
Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa are the new leaders of the global economic development of the 21st century. Bringing together their innovative and industrial potentials carries considerable possibilities for the whole world. The emergence of a new innovative space in BRICS countries is on the current agenda. It offers significant opportunities for small and medium-sized innovative enterprises and startups. At the same time, the innovative development of BRICS countries encounters several obstacles, among which, for example, a low demand for innovations from the private sector.
Representatives of business, academia and public authorities from BRICS discussed the existing challenges and possible mechanisms to encourage the use of innovations for industrial development in their countries, examples of successful initiatives in this field, and prospects for cooperation aimed at commercializing and industrializing innovations.
As noted by the Director of the UNIDO Centre in Russia, Sergey Korotkov, UNIDO has all the necessary knowledge and skills at its disposal and is ready to support the creation of an enabling environment for mutual innovations transfer among BRICS. “The Organization can act as an integrator and serve as a platform for cooperation between BRICS countries, facilitating the development of small and medium enterprises capacities by fostering innovation,” he said.
Following the panel discussion, the UNIDO Centre and Skolkovo Foundation plan to work together on a synthesis report, identifying perspective directions and methodological recommendations on the formation of joint mechanisms and digital infrastructure for innovative cooperation promotion and development among BRICS.