Moroccan universities, grandes écoles, and other higher education institutions produce a significant number of academic works every year. According to estimates, nearly 100,000 works are produced annually, including theses, memoirs, projects, and scientific publications. This volume is considerable, with over 18,000 officially indexed scientific publications per year. The country also has 1,350 accredited university research structures, employing thousands of teachers and researchers, and benefiting from public funding of hundreds of millions of dirhams annually.
Despite this impressive research output, Morocco's ranking in the Global Innovation Index, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization, is 54th out of 139 economies. While this ranking has improved in recent years, it still raises questions about the effectiveness of the country's research sector. The large number of research works produced annually, covering various fields such as industry, technology, health, agriculture, energy, and human sciences, seems not to be fully exploited.
The question arises as to what happens to these research works once they are completed and published. How many of them lead to concrete applications, innovations, or solutions for businesses or society? The issue is not just about the quantity of research produced, but also about its quality and impact. Morocco invests significant resources in research, but the returns on this investment are not clear.
The country's research sector is characterized by a disconnect between the production of knowledge and its practical application. While researchers produce a large number of works, these are not always translated into practical solutions or innovations that can benefit society. This issue is not unique to Morocco, but it is a pressing concern for the country's development.
To address this issue, Morocco needs to develop a more effective system for translating research into practical applications. This could involve strengthening partnerships between researchers, businesses, and government agencies, as well as providing more support for researchers to commercialize their work. The government and private sector need to work together to create an ecosystem that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Moroccan government has taken steps to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, including the creation of research parks and incubators. However, more needs to be done to support researchers and businesses in developing and commercializing new technologies and products. This will require a sustained effort and investment in the research sector.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a more dynamic and innovative research sector that can drive economic growth and social development in Morocco. By addressing the disconnect between research and practical application, the country can unlock the full potential of its research output and create new opportunities for businesses and society.
Key points
- Morocco produces nearly 100,000 academic works annually, but its ranking in the Global Innovation Index is 54th out of 139 economies.
- The country's research sector is characterized by a disconnect between the production of knowledge and its practical application.
- Morocco needs to develop a more effective system for translating research into practical applications to drive economic growth and social development.
