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This policy brief introduces the Smart Economy Readiness Index (SERI), a composite framework for assessing and benchmarking the readiness of BRICS+ economies to transition toward smart economic systems. The index evaluates national readiness across key dimensions, including education, digital infrastructure, research and development, innovation, and governance.

The analysis identifies four stages of smart economy readiness across BRICS+ economies. The UAE and China emerge as the most advanced, supported by strong digital infrastructure, innovation capabilities, and institutional coordination, while other economies demonstrate varying levels of readiness and face challenges related to infrastructure, human capital, innovation ecosystems, and governance. The findings also reveal considerable structural inertia, suggesting that without targeted policy intervention, countries are likely to remain within their existing readiness levels rather than transition naturally toward higher levels.

The brief highlights the importance of an integrated policy approach that aligns investments in human capital, digital connectivity, research and innovation, and institutional capacity. It proposes the Smart Economy Readiness Index (SERI) as a benchmarking tool to track national progress, support evidence-based policymaking, and guide strategic reforms. For BRICS+ economies, strengthening coordination across these areas will be critical to building more competitive, resilient, and inclusive smart economies.