Participants of Foresight Workshop in Brazil Identified Global Challenges of Modernity

International Workshop on Technology Foresight became part of official programme of Brazil’s BRICS presidency. The event brought together leading experts and representatives of BRICS key research institutions to discuss priorities for science and technology development and cooperation strength. Professor Alexander Sokolov, Deputy Director of HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge, Head of UNESCO Chair on Future Studies, took part in the workshop. 

International Workshop on Technology Foresight, held in late 2025, focused on identifying emerging technological and social trends in BRICS countries in the context of AI technology development and growing threat of climate transformation.

UNESCO Chair on Future Studies of HSE University is one of global leaders in Foresight methodology advancement, Foresight-studies of science and technology development and training of specialists in this field. The Chair’s activities closely link with the ISSEK Foresight Center.

National Foresight-studies of AI in various countries around the world were discussed within the first part of Foresight session.

Prof. Alexander Sokolov presented consolidated forecasting ecosystem iFora developed at the HSE University. Intelligent system iFora focuses not only on searching for and mapping new technologies, but also on detecting week signals and wild cards events. In his address the scholar outlined AI research priorities and potential for international cooperation in this area.

Brazil has assessed national initiatives in futures Foresight with a focus on AI and climate change, reporting the creation of 100+ forecasting research teams and AI laboratories. Brazil reaffirmed its commitment to transforming results of futures Foresight to effective policy measures within BRICS cooperation.

China outlined its current achievements in energy transition, climate change mitigation and AI management. Iran representative introduced results of National Secretariat for Science and Technology Foresight, emphasized basic six strategic areas for national projects: AI and robotics, advanced materials, renewable energy, biotechnology and precision medicine.

The reports generated keen interest from the audience and became a basis for productive negotiations. In particular, HSE University agreed with colleagues from Brazil Center for Management and Strategic Studies in Science, Technology and Innovation and Institute for Science and Technology Planning and Foresight of Chinese Academy of Science and Technology for Development to launch a joint Foresight project on science and technology cooperation among BRICS countries primarily in AI area.

During the second part of Foresight session the participants were proposed to focus on emerging trends mapping and identifying potential cascading effects in the technological, economic and environmental spheres. Joint work aimed at shaping an image of the future and developing alternative scenarios. Under Foresight exercise, experts identified strategic turning points, common vulnerabilities, and opportunities for coordinated action to build sustainable and promising BRICS initiatives.

Practical recommendations to incorporate strategic Foresight to BRICS policy-making agenda became key workshop’s results. Delegations supported establishment of a permanent channel for cooperation in Foresight enabling methodologies exchange and coordination of AI research in the context of strengthening institutional resilience to climate change.