The 7th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Senior Officials' meeting and 5th Ministerial meeting under the Chinese presidency in the fora were held in Hangzhou on 17-18 July 2017.

The meeting discussion focused on continuation of strengthening cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI) among the BRICS countries, creating new cooperation opportunities, expanding partnerships and joint tackling of global challenges. 

Participants reaffirmed the importance of innovation dialogues and STI cooperation for promoting innovation-driven development and supporting the robust and sustainable growth as well as continuation to implement relevant BRICS research and innovation initiatives.

Implementation of BRICS Framework Programme was one of the examples of the ongoing successful cooperation in STI among BRICS member countries. BRICS STI FP Call Secretariat (RFBR, Russia) provided detailed report on achievements, challenges and outcomes of the BRICS Pilot Call 2016 and further developments of the initiative. The Call raised high interest among BRICS research communities with 320 proposals submitted in response to the Call in 10 thematic areas. The Meeting welcomed approval of the first set of BRICS R&D projects to be funded in framework of the initiative and endorsed launch of the 2nd BRICS STI FP Call and further development of the initiative.

Hangzhou Declaration adopted by the BRICS STI Ministers reaffirms the importance of innovation dialogues and STI cooperation for promoting innovation-driven development and supporting the robust and sustainable growth of the world economy and continuation of strengthening STI cooperation and implementing relevant BRICS research and innovation initiatives to address common developmental challenges faced by all BRICS countries. 

The ministers agreed and adopted the BRICS Action Plan for Innovation Cooperation (2017-2020) (in English). The Action Plan aims to contribute to the socio-economic progress driven by scientific, technological and social innovation in the BRICS countries; achieving the sustainable development goals; to encourage and support research and development projects in the areas of fundamental and applied research and innovation within bilateral and multilateral frameworks; to boost partnerships between public and private sectors; to foster strategic and long term university-industry partnerships to address the needs of industry and contributing directly to economic growth and development; to promote open science and the sharing of research infrastructure; to develop technology parks; to transfer technologies; to enhance skills training, academic and business mobility as well as to increase the role of women and youth in science, technology and innovation activities. 

The 2nd BRICS Young Scientist Forum was held during 11-15 July 2017 in Hangzhou as a side event of the 5th BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting. Participants of the meeting recognize the potential of the Young Scientist Forum to develop into a powerful networking platform for BRICS young scientists and entrepreneurs and become an important arena to stimulate new academic ideas and train young professionals for the BRICS. The  3rd Young Scientist Forum will be held by South Africa in the lead up to the 6th BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting.

South Africa will host the sixth BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting in 2018.