Digital Transformation in BRICS+ Countries: Alliances and Cross-State Coordinative Structures (Review of the Foreign States Experience)

Introduction. The current state of coordination and interaction structures between the BRICS+ members involved in digital transformation processes are analyzed. The interim results of an empirical collective study are presented, which examined the implemented programs for the digitalization of public administration and the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in government activities, also those focused on the development and coordination of cross-state cooperation in digital transformation processes on the Latin American, African and Asian continents, as well as in the Middle East region. The integration potential of the existing «platform-states» is considered, as well as alliances and common initiatives implemented within the framework of the BRICS cross-continental formation. The chronological data collection frame covers the period from May 2024 to January 2025. The purpose of the study is to determine how the processes of digital transformation are institutionalized, as well as to identify the current situation in alliances that might influence their coordination efforts.
Methods and materials. The study is based on the systematization of primary data collected by a continuous review (screening) of Internet portals and government platforms that are publicly available, providing reporting and analytical information on the use of AI technologies and other official documentation on digitalization in public administration for each BRICS+ member country, positioned within its geographical macroregion. The collected data includes international and state programs, legislative acts available and based on the results of the web content analysis, which characterize the network coordination structures that have emerged to carry out international interactions in this association.
Results. The results of The study shows that the processes of digital transformation and the inclusion of AI technologies in public administration and governments activities occur unevenly in the macro-regions of the world, the levels of technological development, socio-economic and cultural differences affect the prospects for a more symmetrical transition to the formation of a new global system, but the efforts of countries to build alliances for possible coordination and integration at different levels at all, and, in particular, at the cross-state level within the framework of coordination structures for BRICS+ member states. They demonstrate their commitment to support the implementation of digital governance and the development of AI, and their willingness to work together in order to smooth out existing gaps. The available digital infrastructures and leadership potentials are considered, areas of prospects for multi-lateral and bilateral cooperation both within the framework of regional alliances and transcontinental cooperation in the BRICS+ format are outlined.
Discussion and Conclusions. The processes of digital transformation and inclusion of AI products in states, platforms and Internet sites for functional political governance demonstrate a high potential for institutionalizing interstate relations on the implementation of joint initiatives, common programs and projects that coordinate the processes of digital transformation in public administration and increase digital involvement of citizens in political life. There are supranational structures coordinating these areas in every macroregion where the BRICS+ members are present, which play a significant role in organizing network interactions for the development of both digital infrastructure and cybersecurity, training and improving digital literacy of the population.