Research done under the banner of BRICS Cluster Projects has very clear and precise aims: to produce policy-relevant research
in the BRICS domain.
This means such research should, ultimately, inform the policy recommendations that emanate from the BRICS Think Tank Council and should focus on the Council’s long-term research strategy. This strategy comprises five pillars, which are cooperation for growth and development; political and economic governance; social justice, sustainable development and quality of life; peace and security; and progress through sharing knowledge and innovation.
In turn, the NIHSS has created nine BRICS Clusters, which are aligned with the broad themes of the BRICS Think Tank Council. The Clusters are networks of academics at various universities across South Africa, who collaborate to produce policy-relevant research on an annual basis, prioritising topics such as rural poverty, health, rural sanitation, language and literature and identity.
As the first cycle of BRICS Cluster Projects ran from 2015 to March 2020, the Institute entered its second cycle in 2021/22, dubbed “BRICS Cluster II”.
In the financial year 2021/22, the Institute monitored 13 BRICS Cluster Projects, led by the project leaders listed here.
