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DIGITAL ECONOMY IN BRICS COUNTRIES: OPPORTUNITIES, OBSTACLES AND
EXPERIENCE SHARING
Pirmatova Dilnozа Ortiqboyevna
Teaching lecturer at the Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agricultural
Economics, Logistics and Services, Tashkent State Agrarian University."
Email:
Annotation.
This article examines the development of the digital economy in BRICS countries,
focusing on the opportunities, challenges, and the importance of experience sharing among
member states. It highlights the role of digital technologies—such as artificial intelligence, big
data, fintech, and e-commerce—in driving economic modernization and competitiveness. The
study also analyzes the structural barriers faced by BRICS nations, including digital inequality,
infrastructure gaps, and regulatory issues. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the significance of
mutual cooperation and knowledge exchange in accelerating digital transformation and shaping a
more inclusive global digital order.
Keywords:
digital economy, BRICS, innovation, infrastructure, cybersecurity, knowledge
sharing, economic transformation
Introduction.
The digital economy has emerged as one of the most influential forces
shaping global development in the twenty-first century. It refers to economic activities that are
based on digital technologies, including the use of the internet, digital platforms, e-commerce,
fintech, big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. The spread of these technologies
has fundamentally transformed production processes, consumer behavior, governance structures,
and international trade. As a result, countries across the world are seeking to integrate digital
strategies into their economic and social policies to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving
global environment. For BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—the
digital economy plays a particularly strategic role. Together, these five nations represent more
than 40% of the global population and nearly one-quarter of global GDP, making them an
essential part of the international economic order. Their demographic potential, growing middle
classes, and expanding technological capabilities provide fertile ground for digital innovation
and transformation. Moreover, the digital economy offers BRICS members an opportunity to
diversify away from resource-dependent or traditional industries, boost productivity, and
strengthen their positions in the global value chain. However, the road toward digital
transformation in BRICS countries is not without challenges. Uneven levels of infrastructure
development, gaps in regulatory frameworks, cybersecurity risks, and digital divides between
urban and rural populations represent significant barriers. At the same time, the rapidly changing
nature of digital technologies requires constant adaptation, innovation, and investment. These
factors highlight the importance of international cooperation and knowledge sharing within
BRICS. By learning from each other’s experiences—China’s progress in e-commerce, India’s
digital governance programs, Russia’s cybersecurity expertise, Brazil’s digital agriculture, and
South Africa’s infrastructure initiatives—the group can strengthen its collective ability to
overcome obstacles and accelerate sustainable digital growth. This article explores the
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opportunities, obstacles, and experience-sharing mechanisms shaping the digital economy in
BRICS countries. By analyzing these dimensions, the study seeks to demonstrate how
cooperation in the digital sphere can enhance economic resilience, foster innovation, and
contribute to the creation of a more inclusive global digital order.
Literature analysis
. The digital economy has been widely studied across different
contexts, and the academic debate highlights its transformative potential as well as the barriers to
its development. Early conceptualizations by Tapscott (1996) emphasized how digital networks
and information technologies redefine business models and consumer behavior, laying the
foundation for later discussions on digital transformation. More recent works expand this
perspective, viewing the digital economy as a comprehensive system that reshapes economic,
social, and political relations. According to OECD (2019), the digital economy encompasses e-
commerce, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and data-driven innovation, all of which are
reshaping global value chains. The report stresses both the opportunities—such as productivity
growth and inclusion—and the challenges, including digital divides and cybersecurity threats.
Similarly, UNCTAD (2021) notes that the digital economy is increasingly central to
development strategies in emerging markets, including BRICS countries, where rapid
digitalization is creating new business opportunities but also amplifying inequalities. Several
studies specifically address BRICS countries. Li and Wang (2020) analyze China’s “Digital Silk
Road” initiative, highlighting its role in advancing cross-border digital infrastructure and setting
standards for global cooperation. Gupta (2021) investigates India’s Digital India program,
showing how digital governance and fintech innovations support economic modernization and
financial inclusion. Ivanov (2020), focusing on Russia, emphasizes the importance of legal and
regulatory frameworks for the stable growth of the digital economy, particularly regarding data
protection and cybersecurity. For Brazil and South Africa, the World Bank (2022) highlights
both progress and challenges. In Brazil, digital services have been expanding in sectors such as
agriculture and public administration, while South Africa continues to face infrastructural
constraints but shows potential in expanding internet access and digital skills. Brynjolfsson and
McAfee (2017) add a broader perspective, arguing that digital technologies generate both
opportunities and risks: they can significantly increase efficiency and innovation but may also
displace traditional jobs, requiring policy responses to ensure inclusive growth. Taken together,
the literature suggests that BRICS countries share common opportunities in expanding digital
platforms, attracting investments, and fostering innovation, while also struggling with similar
obstacles such as inequality, regulatory gaps, and skill shortages. Importantly, multiple authors
stress the need for international cooperation and experience sharing among BRICS nations to
overcome these challenges and build sustainable digital economies.
Materials and Methods.
This study applies a qualitative and comparative approach to
examine the development of the digital economy in BRICS countries. The methodology is based
on the analysis of secondary sources, including policy documents, statistical databases, and
scholarly literature. The main aim is to identify opportunities, obstacles, and experience-sharing
practices relevant to digital transformation within the BRICS framework.
Materials.
The research draws on the following sources:
International reports from organizations such as the OECD, World Bank, and UNCTAD,
which provide statistical data and policy assessments on the global digital economy.
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Government programs and strategies from BRICS countries, such as Digital India,
China’s Digital Silk Road initiatives, Russia’s Digital Economy Program, Brazil’s
national digital strategies, and South Africa’s digital infrastructure plans.
Academic literature and case studies (e.g., Tapscott, 1996; Gupta, 2021; Ivanov, 2020; Li
& Wang, 2020) that analyze specific aspects of digital economy development and
governance in BRICS nations.
Empirical data from international databases covering internet penetration, digital trade,
ICT infrastructure, and innovation indices.
Methods.
1.
Comparative analysis. The study compares digital economy indicators across
BRICS members to identify similarities and differences in their developmental paths.
2.
Content analysis
.
Policy documents, strategic frameworks, and official reports are
examined to understand national priorities and implementation strategies.
3.
Statistical analysis. Key indicators such as internet access, e-commerce volume,
and digital service adoption are evaluated using World Bank and OECD data.
4.
Systemic approach. The digital economy is analyzed in relation to infrastructure,
innovation capacity, human capital, and regulatory frameworks to capture its multi-
dimensional nature.
By integrating these methods, the study provides a holistic understanding of the
opportunities and challenges in BRICS digital economies, as well as the potential for mutual
learning and cooperation.
Research Discussion.
The findings of this study highlight both the dynamic potential and
persistent challenges of the digital economy in BRICS countries. While each nation demonstrates
distinct characteristics and priorities, common patterns emerge that underline the importance of
collaboration and experience sharing. Opportunities for growth. China and India stand out as
global leaders in e-commerce, mobile payments, and digital services, largely due to their vast
consumer bases and rapid adoption of new technologies. Their experiences suggest that scale and
strong state-led programs can accelerate digital transformation. Brazil and South Africa,
although smaller in market size, are integrating digital solutions into agriculture, public
administration, and financial inclusion, demonstrating that digital technologies can support
diverse sectors beyond IT. Russia’s focus on cybersecurity and digital governance provides
another valuable area of expertise, especially as cyber threats become more sophisticated
globally. Collectively, these experiences illustrate how the digital economy fosters
diversification, creates jobs, and strengthens competitiveness. Persistent challenges. Despite
significant progress, digital divides remain a critical issue in BRICS countries. Urban areas are
generally well connected, while rural and underdeveloped regions lag behind, limiting inclusivity.
Infrastructure constraints—such as low broadband penetration in South Africa and parts of
Brazil—hinder equal participation in the digital economy. Moreover, regulatory challenges,
particularly in areas of data privacy, intellectual property, and cross-border digital trade, remain
unresolved. These obstacles highlight the need for coordinated policy frameworks both at the
national and international levels. The role of cooperation. One of the most important insights is
the value of experience sharing within BRICS. For instance, India’s Digital India program offers
lessons in digital governance that could be adapted by Brazil and South Africa. Similarly,
China’s success in scaling e-commerce platforms provides a model for integrating digital trade in
Volume 15 Issue 09, September 2025
Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023:
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emerging economies. Russia’s expertise in cybersecurity is particularly relevant for all BRICS
members, as cyber risks represent one of the biggest threats to digital growth. Through joint
initiatives, capacity building, and technology transfer, BRICS countries can mitigate their
weaknesses and enhance collective digital resilience. Global implications. The digital strategies
of BRICS countries also carry significance beyond their national borders. By strengthening their
cooperation, BRICS can play a more active role in shaping global digital governance, setting
standards for cross-border data flows, and promoting a more inclusive digital order. Their
combined demographic and economic weight positions them as influential players in the ongoing
transformation of the global digital landscape. In summary, while BRICS countries are at
different stages of digital transformation, their combined experiences provide valuable lessons
for each other and for the wider international community. Sustainable growth in the digital
economy will require not only national reforms but also robust mechanisms for cooperation,
mutual learning, and coordinated policymaking within the BRICS framework.
Conclusion.
The digital economy has become a central driver of economic modernization
and competitiveness in BRICS countries. It offers vast opportunities for growth, ranging from
the expansion of e-commerce and fintech services to the creation of new jobs and the
diversification of national economies. At the same time, persistent obstacles such as digital
inequality, inadequate infrastructure, cybersecurity risks, and regulatory gaps continue to
challenge the pace and inclusivity of digital transformation. The analysis shows that while China
and India lead in scale and innovation, Brazil and South Africa demonstrate sector-specific
applications, and Russia contributes significantly in areas of cybersecurity and digital
governance. This diversity underscores the potential of experience sharing within BRICS, where
each country brings unique strengths that can support the collective advancement of the group.
Looking ahead, deeper cooperation among BRICS nations will be essential to overcoming
existing barriers and shaping a more sustainable and inclusive digital economy. Joint initiatives
in digital infrastructure development, policy harmonization, cybersecurity, and capacity building
can not only accelerate transformation within BRICS but also strengthen their influence in global
digital governance. By pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and coordinating strategies,
BRICS countries have the potential to emerge as key architects of the future digital order.
References:
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Intelligence. New York: McGraw-Hill.
2. OECD. (2019). Measuring the Digital Economy. Paris: OECD Publishing.
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4. Li, J., & Wang, H. (2020). Digital Silk Road and BRICS Cooperation. Beijing: Tsinghua
University Press.
5. Gupta, R. (2021). Digital India and Economic Transformation. New Delhi: Springer.
6. Ivanov, A. (2020). Legal Aspects of Digital Economy Development in Russia. Moscow:
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7. World Bank. (2022). Digital Economy in Emerging Markets: Focus on BRICS. Washington
D.C.: World Bank.
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8. Brynjolfsson, E., & McAfee, A. (2017). Machine, Platform, Crowd: Harnessing Our Digital
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