About

The future for the BRICs as engines of growth depends on efficiently adapting to the global economy and, more importantly, shaping it. Key to this is how Brazil, Russia, India, and China evolve toward becoming dynamic hubs of knowledge and innovation.

As global capitalism struggles to find a way out of the present existential crisis, a strong trend is showing its face in the world economy, a trend that goes beyond the BRICs. Against a backdrop of great uncertainty, countries increasingly adopt industrial and trade policies that apparently have less to do with a level playing field and more with attending to short-term policy interests.

How are the BRICs bulking their capacity to compete in world trade and in promoting investment?

What are the different approaches when it comes to infant-industries, high-tech sectors, or more mature, old-world manufacturers?

Will the BRICs confirm their political and economic clout as rising stars in global affairs? How can the BRICs contribute to enhanced global economic governance?

These are some of the questions academics, business leaders, and policymakers will address as the BRICs strive for an enlarged status as dynamic, prosperous and influential nations. They are at the core of 'BRICs: The Quest for Global Growth, Columbia University's 2012 BRICLab Conference.