TRENDS Research & Advisory held a discussion session with senior officials of Russia’s State Duma. The session underscored the pivotal role of think tanks in shaping the economic and social policies of the BRICS nations and discussed the prospects of a multipolar international system and the significance of the BRICS bloc as a catalyst for economic growth.

Participating in the session – which was part of TRENDS’ research tour in Russia – were Dmitry Gennadievich Gusev, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma for Oversight; Aleksei Chepa, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma’s International Affairs Committee; Mikhail Yurevich Vinogradov, President of the St. Petersburg Politics Foundation; and Maxim Meyer, political expert and partner at the Russian Union of International Business, along with several department heads, directors, and researchers from TRENDS Research & Advisory.

Active Bilateral Relations

Dmitry Gusev, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma for Oversight, emphasized that strengthening bilateral relations between Russia and BRICS nations has become an urgent necessity for establishing the foundations of a multipolar international system. He noted that Russia is open to cooperation in cybersecurity, digital currencies, and e-commerce. Gusev also proposed launching a joint international research project focused on e-commerce and its determinants.

BRICS Plus Platform

Aleksei Chepa, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma’s International Affairs Committee, highlighted Russia’s strong commitment to direct engagement with Arab and African nations, as it seeks to expand its economic activities and partnerships in these regions through the launch of a digital platform for trade development.

He also praised TRENDS Research & Advisory’s proposal to launch the BRICS Plus economic platform, which would serve as a collaborative hub for research institutions and think tanks across BRICS nations. The platform would focus on publishing economic reports, research studies, and key economic indicators, fostering deeper cooperation and knowledge exchange.

A Multipolar System

Mikhail Vinogradov, President of the St. Petersburg Politics Foundation, emphasized the significance of research and studies produced by TRENDS Research & Advisory on the multipolar global system and Russia’s balanced economic, social, and political relations with the Arab region and the African continent.

Maxim Meyer, political expert and partner at the Russian Union of International Business, highlighted the opportunities for strengthening sustainable cooperation and partnerships between Russia and BRICS nations in business and investment, particularly with Arab countries. He also underscored the crucial role of think tanks and research institutions in shaping economic and social policies.

Supporting Decision-Making

During the discussion session between the TRENDS Research & Advisory team and senior officials of the Russia’s State Duma, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, emphasized the vital role of think tanks in supporting decision-making by providing in-depth studies and analyses on economic and social issues.

Dr. Al-Ali noted that amid unprecedented global challenges, it is crucial for BRICS nations to rely on think tanks to develop knowledge-based policies, enhance stability, and drive sustainable growth. He stressed that the strategic value of think tanks lies in their ability to deliver scientifically grounded insights that strengthen economic and social cooperation among BRICS countries.

Developing Economic Policies

Dr. Al-Ali further explained that think tanks play a key role in shaping economic policies for BRICS nations by offering analyses and strategies that support economic growth, sustainable development, and the reduction of economic disparities. They also serve as an essential tool for assessing the impact of globalization and trade policies on the bloc’s economies and for formulating solutions to enhance competitiveness.

He added that think tanks contribute to fostering innovation and investment in the digital economy and advanced technologies, thereby boosting productivity and integration among BRICS members. Additionally, they provide effective strategies to address global economic challenges, including inflation, rising energy prices, and supply chain disruptions.

Fostering Dialogue

Fahad Al-Mahri, Senior Researcher and Head of TRENDS Dubai Sector, emphasized that think tanks play a critical role in fostering dialogue on social issues, including poverty, education, healthcare, and the empowerment of women and youth. By presenting scientific research-based solutions, these institutions help address key societal challenges. He noted that think tanks are essential in analyzing the impact of demographic and digital transformations on BRICS societies and in proposing responsive policies to these changes.

Al-Mahri highlighted that think tanks are also responsible for supporting the development of advanced and integrated education systems across BRICS nations, enhancing academic and research exchange. Additionally, they contribute to formulating policies to combat social challenges, particularly inequality, unemployment, and demographic shifts.

Al-Mahri further stressed the importance of BRICS nations developing a unified approach to promote shared cultural values and strengthen collaboration among think tanks to preserve the bloc’s cultural identity in the face of cultural globalization and modern social challenges. He also underscored the significance of building academic and cultural partnerships, reinforcing the role of media and cultural policies in safeguarding cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable development rooted in national values.

Challenges Facing BRICS Nations

Dr. Mohammed Rashwan, Advisor to TRENDS Dubai Sector and Director of TRENDS’ Office in Russia, highlighted the pivotal role of TRENDS Research & Advisory in supporting decision-making through analytical studies and data-driven policy recommendations in the fields of economics and sociology. He emphasized that the center is actively engaged in producing in-depth research on emerging economies and the challenges facing BRICS nations, offering forward-looking insights to strengthen economic cooperation.

Dr. Rashwan noted that TRENDS is also working to foster dialogue among think tanks within BRICS countries, facilitating the exchange of successful experiences and the development of knowledge-based policies. He stressed that think tanks serve as knowledge bridges between decision-makers and real-world challenges, helping shape policies that drive development and shared prosperity. He further explained that TRENDS’ experience can serve as a model for building effective research partnerships among BRICS nations, fostering a sustainable economic and social approach that supports long-term cooperation and growth.