AI in the BRICS countries

Brazil sets itself several key goals in the development of AI:

1. Establishing ethical guidelines for the responsible use of AI. Ethical principles are included in the AI ​​development strategy, which was adopted in 2021.
2. Removing barriers to innovation and promoting sustainable investment in AI research and development. For example, Brazil founded 6 centers for the study of applied AI technologies. In 2021, investment in AI reached $1 billion.
3. Strengthening collaboration between government, private sector and researchers. For this purpose, the Brazilian Association for Research and Industrial Innovation in Digital Technologies was created. From 2016 to 2023, the number of publications on AI doubled, reaching 11 thousand.
4. Preparing professionals for the AI ​​ecosystem. Brazil launched the Future of Work, Future of Work program to promote workforce development for the AI ​​industry starting in school. From 2021 to 2022, the number of AI professionals grew by 5%.

In February 2024, the President of Russia approved the updated National AI Development Strategy through 2030. This is the primary document addressing the most significant challenges facing the AI market. One of its key metrics is the targeted GDP growth of 11.2 trillion rubles by 2030, driven by the adoption of AI technologies and AI-powered products.

Equally important is the national project «Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State», which includes the federal project «Artificial Intelligence». Achieving the goals and objectives outlined in this national project will be crucial not only for the development of AI in the country but also for securing Russia's technological sovereignty. As part of the national project, 12 AI research centers have already been established, focusing on fundamental research. The Russian government has allocated over 4 billion rubles to support them, and in the near future, another six AI research centers will be selected for further development.

To advance AI, India has announced the establishment of three cutting-edge AI centers at leading educational institutions as part of its "Make AI in India" initiative.

India is building an AI development system that includes all stakeholders, fostering collaboration between government, industry, and academia. Currently, India claims to be boasts the highest "AI skills penetration rate" country among all G20 and OECD countries, with a score of 3.09.

Indian AI Portal: https://indiaai.gov.in/

China's AI strategy is outlined in the New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan (AIDP), released by the State Council in 2017. This plan sets China’s vision to become a global leader in AI by 2030.

In February 2017, the National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China established the National Engineering Laboratory for Deep Learning.

China aims to apply advanced AI technologies in the real economy. Since 2017, China has quadrupled its investments in AI.

In 2022, Chinese scientists represented 26% of the world’s most-cited AI researchers.

In August 2024, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies released a draft national AI strategy. The document focuses on creating a robust AI ecosystem through coordinated research, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements. The draft outlines the following priority areas:

• Promoting ethical AI development and use, ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness, while reducing biases.
• Establishing robust data governance structures to protect privacy and enhance security.
• Supporting AI startups and fostering public-private partnerships. To this end, an AI research lab has been established at the University of Johannesburg.
• Enhancing cybersecurity to protect AI systems from malicious threats.

The country’s approach is presentedreflected in Egypt’s National AI Strategy, adopted in 2019, which aims to integrate AI across various sectors to enhance efficiency, foster innovation, and support sustainable development goals.

To improve the effectiveness of the public sector and the quality of services using AI, the Applied AI Center was established.

With the adoption of the national strategy, AI investments increased to $140 million in 2023.

As part of the African Union, Egypt participates in the initiative to advance AI development across Africa.

Iran is investing in AI development and actively promoting innovation and maintaining a competitive advantage.

Recognizing the growing need for AI talent, Iran is actively integrating specialized training courses into the country's curricula.

In 2017, the UAE appointed the world's first Minister of Artificial Intelligence, underscoring the country’s commitment to AI at the highest level of government. The UAE’s National AI Strategy through 2031 includes several key goals:

• Diversifying the economy through AI. This decision has led to an eightfold increase in AI investments since 2017.
• Creatinga system of government scholarships for students to attract AI professionals.
• Attracting international talent to achieve its goals. To this end, the UAE has launched a golden visa program for AI specialists.

Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in artificial intelligence (AI) as part of its broad Vision 2030 initiative. The National Data and AI Strategy, launched in 2020, envisions Saudi Arabia becoming a global AI hub by 2030. Key objectives include:

• Transforming the country's economic model by increasing the significance of AI-driven industries.
• Training over 20,000 AI specialists and integrating AI into education to build a pool of qualified professionals.
• By 2023, total AI investments have reached $270 million. The Saudi National Investment Fund has included five major AI and IT companies in its investment portfolio and plans to invest over $40 billion in AI startups.

In June 2024, the Ethiopian Council of Ministers approved the National Artificial Intelligence Policy. This policy marks a significant milestone, reflecting the government’s commitment to integrating AI across various sectors. Ethiopia’s AI strategy includes several key objectives:

• Applying AI to develop the financial sector.
• Integrating AI into the agricultural sector.
• Utilizing AI in healthcare. The National Institute for AI Development has initiated 7 projects to address various healthcare challenges.
• Building national capacity for AI research and innovation. To this end, the national AI development center conducts a summer school for students focusing on AI.