The collective knowledge, attributes, skills, and experience of the workforce are the most important resources of any economy. Improving human capital increases production and spurs growth. Well-identified individuals with the necessary requirements enable economies to function at maximum efficiency. BRICS universities, academies of sciences, research institutes, schools, and accelerators are all key stakeholders that create innovations and contribute to progress by advancing human capital.
Seven out of ten BRICS states rank among the top-50 worldwide in terms of the number of scientific papers published in Scopus as well as in terms of the volume of citable papers. In total, there are over 11 300 universities in BRICS countries which creates a great potential for furthering academic exchanges, establishing double degree programs, developing online courses, organizing scientific projects and events, doing joint research, etc. All of these serve the purpose of nurturing professionals with international experience and competent enough to enable progress and economic growth.
There is still a room for collaboration and fresh ideas in the field of human development potential. Geographical remoteness, disparities between BRICS countries in quality of education and research, lack of common standards and other factors prevent BRICS from creating a single intellectual space. BRICS Network University is a grand idea that still needs practical implementation in terms of establishing multi-degree programs. The issue of recognizing qualification certificates within BRICS also requires attention. At the same time, there are multiple research fields, where BRICS countries could complement each other.
Questions for discussion:- What are the challenges for BRICS becoming the global cradle of talents and the engine of scientific progress?
- What mechanisms could be introduced to simplify the intra-BRICS scientific and educational cooperation?
- Should BRICS promote their own educational standards?
- How could BRICS ensure the full and equal involvement of all members in international R&D activities and educational projects?
- What scientific areas are the most promising for BRICS countries?
Moderator: Marina BOROVSKAYA (Russia), Russian Academy of Education Corresponding Member, Professor, President, Southern Federal University
Speakers:- Evgeniy TERENTEV (Russia), Director at the Institute of Education HSE University
- Beyene PETROS (Ethiopia), Director General, Policy Studies Institute
- Aditi AVASTHI (India), CEO, Embibe
- MA Fangfang (China), Vice Dean of the School of International Relations, Beijing Language and Culture University
- Krish CHETTY (South Africa), Senior Researcher, Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
- Haroldo RAMANZINI JUNIOR (Brazil), Professor of IR, University of Brasilia