Why the BRICS Countries Are Redefining the Global AI Order

Global leadership in artificial intelligence is no longer determined by a single power bloc. Instead, it is increasingly becoming multipolar. In this discussion, Friedhelm Best and Karl-Heinz Zuerl analyze how the BRICS countries are increasingly shaping the global AI landscape through investments, infrastructure, and political alignment. For internationally operating companies, this creates a field of tension characterized by both opportunities and rising complexity. Market access, regulatory frameworks, and technological standards are evolving differently across regions.

The consequence is clear: companies can no longer rely on a single global strategy. Success requires deep regional understanding, strong local partnerships, and flexible execution models. Organizations with operations in Europe and Asia must manage these developments far more precisely. The key insight is that artificial intelligence is not just a technological competition—it is a strategic playing field where geopolitical dynamics have a direct impact on business success.