A Trajectory of Innovation Outputs among the BRICS Countries: Critical Perspectives of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa

Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) are the important players of the emerging markets in the global economy and their innovation profiles matter for the economic growth of individual countries and the block. The purpose of this paper is to critically analyse and compare the international rankings in innovation outputs in terms of knowledge and technology outputs among the BRICS-countries in relation to their economic growth in the last two years. A systematic review methodology was used, the innovation topic was investigated from the practice-based problem. Secondary data is collected from sources and institutions that use statistical data to build country rankings produced by the world intellectual property organisation (WIPO) and the World Bank. The findings show China is well-positioned in innovation ranking followed by Russia. Similarities in innovation evolution are observed among the other three BRICS- countries. Although these similarities exist, India portrays a slightly high prospect in innovation because of its information communication technology success, followed by Brazil and South Africa. The findings also show that their GDPs improve with the innovation ranking of the countries. This study recommends the member countries to strengthen their innovation cooperation and to revisit and adapt the education systems to their innovation aspirations through the production of relevant knowledge.