On March 7th, 2024, the Department of Industrial Engineering (IE) of Tsinghua University organized a seminal seminar on the theme "BRICS+ Countries, Challenges and Opportunities for Industry Innovation." Hosted by Prof. Wei ZHANG from Department of IE of Tsinghua University, this event invited Prof. Jose Orlando Gomes from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, who is the President of The International Ergonomics Association (IEA), as the guest speaker, and drew more than 30 international students from different countries. The diverse assembly fostered a vibrant discourse on the industrial, geopolitical, economic, and environmental landscapes, shaping the future of the BRICS+ countries.

Opening of the seminar

BRICS+ Cooperation and Innovation

The seminar was distinguished by its eclectic participant demographic, echoing a global dialogue that transcended geographical and cultural boundaries. This cross-pollination of ideas set the stage for in-depth discussions on how BRICS+ countries can navigate their complex relationships and harness collective growth and innovation. Prof. GOMES, with his deep expertise in industrial engineering and a global academic footprint, steered the conversations towards the crucial role of international cooperation in achieving sustainable development and technological breakthroughs.

Lithium and Rare Earths: The Key to Unlocking BRICS+ Green Technology Leadership

Highlighting the seminar was GOMES's analysis of the strategic importance of lithium and rare earth elements, essential for the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) industry and other green technologies. The discussion underscored the opportunities for countries within the "Lithium Triangle" (Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia) to ascend the value chain in the global battery market by investing in extraction and processing capabilities.

Prof. GOMES presenting landscapes of BRICS+ nations putting emphasis on Lithium Triangle Countries

BRICS+ Nations and China's Strategic Investments: Paving the Way for Enhanced Global Trade and Sustainable Development

Prof. GOMES outlined the unique positions of BRICS countries in the global trade map, advocating for collaborative initiatives to streamline and diversify trade routes, thereby enhancing economic resilience and efficiency. He also illuminated the expansive geography of Chinese foreign investments, emphasizing the potential benefits and sustainable development opportunities these investments could unlock for recipient nations.

Prof. GOMES's insights extended to the geographical distribution of Chinese investments across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, suggesting these investments as catalysts for innovation and sustainable development. He highlighted the Amazon Forest's critical importance and the need for sustainable revenue streams, advocating for sectors like energy, defense, and space exploration as areas ripe for cooperative advancements.

Prof. GOMES presenting the recent study published in Brazil

Empowering BRICS+ through Education: Advocating for Exchange Programs and Tech-Driven Poverty Solutions

Education emerged as a pivotal theme, with GOMES proposing the establishment of inter-BRICS+ educational exchange programs to bolster human capital development. He shed light on the intertwined challenges of poverty, advocating for technology-driven solutions and inclusive financial policies reminiscent of successful models in Asia.

Learning from Asia's Economic Boom: Seminar Explores Innovation Ecosystems in China and Indonesia for BRICS+ Growth Strategy

The seminar shed light on the economic boom and innovation ecosystems thriving in parts of Asia, particularly within China and Indonesia. Prof. GOMES encouraged the BRICS+ nations to study these models of growth and innovation, identifying policies and practices that can be adapted and adopted. This includes the ways in which technology has been harnessed to drive economic development, improve governance, and enhance the quality of life for citizens.

The seminar concluded with an interactive session, where participants engaged in a dynamic Q&A, reflecting the seminar's far-reaching impact on understanding BRICS+'s role in global development. Prof. ZHANG's concluding remarks celebrated China's innovative leaps in the EV and fintech sectors, encapsulating the seminar's vision of collaborative progress and innovation.

Participants engaging in the Q&A

Prof. ZHANG concludes the seminar with a keynote speech

Group photo of the seminar

This comprehensive dialogue at Department of IE of Tsinghua University not only highlighted the intricate challenges and opportunities facing BRICS+ nations but also reinforced the paramount importance of international collaboration in paving the way for a sustainable and technologically advanced future.

Writer & Photographer: Ibtisam Ahmed Khan

Editors: Rui Lu, Haitao Wang

Reviewers: Jose Orlando Gomes, Liang Ma, Lefei Li