Russia to Form AI Alliance with BRICS Nations, Targeting Global AI

• Russia to Form an AI Alliance with Bricks and Other Nations:
  • Russia is partnering with BRICS nations (Brazil, China, India, and South Africa) and other non-BRICS countries like Serbia and Indonesia.
  • At a recent AI conference in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin outlined the goals of this new alliance, which will include national associations and development institutions from BRICS countries, as well as other interested nations.
  • The primary objective of the AI Alliance Network is to foster joint research, technology development, and regulatory frameworks in artificial intelligence, thereby challenging the current dominance of the United States in this critical technology sector.
  • This move reflects a broader strategy by Russia to build an independent technological ecosystem that can operate outside of Western influence, potentially reshaping global power dynamics in the field of artificial intelligence.
• Russia’s AI Strategy:
  • Russian President Putin emphasized that Russia must engage on equal terms in the global race for advanced artificial intelligence. He invited scientists from around the world to participate in this collaborative effort, highlighting that Russian researchers are already developing advanced AI solutions.
  • By 2030, Russia plans to increase AI-related GDP contributions to 11.2 trillion roubles ($109 billion) from 0.2 trillion roubles in 2023.
  • Goals include raising AI skills among Russian workers from 5% (2023) to 80% (2030) and increasing AI investment sevenfold to 850 billion roubles.
• Challenges in AI Development:
  • The formation of this alliance is also seen as a strategic response to Western sanctions that have limited Russia’s access to essential technologies, including advanced microchips necessary for AI development.
  • Major Russian companies like Sberbank are leading efforts in AI innovation but face significant challenges due to these restrictions.
• AI Leadership in Russia:
  • Sberbank and Yandex are key players in Russia’s domestic AI scene.
  • Sberbank’s “GigaChat” and Yandex’s “YandexGPT” are among Russia’s generative AI models.
  • Despite these developments, Russia ranks 31st in the Tortoise Media Global AI Index and 29th in Stanford University’s AI Vibrancy tool.
• Global Context and Competition:
  • The United States and China dominate the AI landscape, with significant advancements and investments.
  • Russia’s initiatives are part of its broader ambition to reduce technological dependency on Western powers and join the AI elite.
  • The U.S. has further consolidated its position with measures such as appointing a “White House AI and Crypto Czar.”

Why This Matters:

Russia’s plans to form an AI Allience with BRICS and other nations signals a strategic pivot to counter Western technological dominance amid ongoing sanctions. The AI Alliance could diversify global AI research efforts while providing BRICS members with alternative technological pathways. However, Russia faces significant challenges, including limited hardware access and lagging behind other AI leaders. This development could reshape alliances and competition in the AI domain.