Open Digital Technologies as a New Area of Cooperation Among BRICS Countries

Open source technologies are increasingly gaining traction in BRICS. The digital infrastructure within these nations – encompassing government services, social networks, and artificial intelligence systems – is predominantly built upon open source solutions. However, BRICS countries are not only interested in the use of open source but are also seeking to foster the development of their own digital products in an open environment. Following this strategy makes it possible to facilitate the accumulation of resources and expertise, enable effective marketing of digital products outside their country of origin, and establish long-term relationships with consumers as well as other stakeholders. Yet, researchers have predominantly focused on the experiences of Western nations that have institutionalized the open approach to digital technology development and have subsequently led the field. In this context, an important question arises: what are the experiences and perspectives regarding digital technology open sourcing within BRICS? Investigating these matters will enhance our understanding of how BRICS nations strategically benefit from the open approach, particularly with respect to their technological sovereignty, the acceleration of innovation, and their competition for technological leadership. The purpose of this study is to analyze digital technology open sourcing within BRICS. This encompasses understanding of open source as an external factor, the transformation of its perception, and promising opportunities for cooperation in the realm of open source, particularly based on the activities of organizations that are open sourcing their digital products. These aspects have not been collectively examined in a single study. Furthermore, the contextual insights provided in this study will be beneficial for managers and corporate strategists.