Measuring the research funding landscape: a case study of BRICS nations

Measuring the research funding landscape: a case study of BRICS nations
Authors: Sheikh Shueb, Sumeer Gul
Journal: Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication
Volume & Issue: Volume 74, Issue 1-2
Published: January 13, 2025

This study examines the research funding landscape across BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—by analyzing funding acknowledgments in publications across 22 specific research areas using data from Clarivate Analytics’ InCites database. The research aims to determine each country’s funding ratio and identify leading funding institutions supporting research in the developing world.

The findings reveal that China leads with the highest funding ratio at 88.6%, followed by Brazil (73.74%), Russia (72.93%), and South Africa (70.94%), while India lags at 58.2%. Subject-specific analysis shows that microbiology receives the highest funding in Russia, India, and China, while space science dominates in Brazil and South Africa. Economics and business fields have the lowest funding ratios in Brazil, India, and South Africa. Regional funding agencies emerge as the primary sponsors driving research development in these countries.

The study highlights the need to improve funding in underrepresented areas, particularly arts, humanities, and social sciences, and emphasizes the importance of increasing India’s research sponsorship. By addressing these gaps, BRICS nations can strengthen their scientific development and foster overall research growth.