This book provides an in-depth understanding of how the highly strategic BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) countries are planning and implementing their digital transformation processes. It focuses particularly on two essential, yet often neglected, aspects of digital transformation: the expansion of connectivity and the digitalization of public services. Throughout its chapters, this book maps the policies, regulations, governance mechanisms, and initiatives adopted by the BRICS to achieve the ambitious goal of becoming “smart” countries. In these nations, the functioning of the economy, society, and democratic governance is supported and enhanced by technology, leading to significant evolution.

Adopting a critical approach, this volume acknowledges that digital transformation processes are not exempt from criticism, despite offering unique opportunities for developing countries to become global leaders. In addition to mapping the digital transformation processes of the BRICS countries, this book provides valuable insights into their approaches, highlighting both limitations and notable success stories. These insights are beneficial for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners alike.

This volume is the result of an exceptional collaboration between CTS-FGV, the Center for Technology and Society at Fundação Getulio Vargas Law School, Rio de Janeiro, and UNU-EGOV, the United Nations University Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance.