The Moroccan economy has made significant strides in innovation, as reflected in its improved ranking in the Global Innovation Index (GII). According to the 2026 GII report published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Morocco has climbed 21 places since 2020, securing the 54th position out of 139 economies evaluated. This achievement marks the country's best historical ranking.
Morocco's progress in the GII is a testament to its efforts to enhance its industrial capabilities and commercialize intangible assets. The WIPO report highlights that the country has made notable improvements in various areas, including industrial designs, where it ranks 5th, and intangible asset intensity, where it ranks 8th. Additionally, Morocco has shown significant growth in labor productivity, ranking 13th, and boasts a strong position in high-tech manufacturing production, ranking 28th.
The GII report also notes that Morocco has made considerable progress in terms of policy stability for businesses, ranking 22nd, and the rate of graduates in sciences and engineering, ranking 23rd. The country's performance is part of a broader trend of transformation in North Africa, where Morocco is leading the way in combining industrial upgrading with commercialization of intangible assets.
The WIPO report attributes Morocco's success to its ability to effectively transform investments into tangible results. In terms of innovation inputs, Morocco ranks 76th, while in terms of innovation outputs, it ranks 46th. This suggests that the country is making the most of its resources to drive innovation and creativity.
Morocco is among a handful of countries, including China, India, Turkey, and the Philippines, that have made significant progress in innovation by increasing resources and connecting national expertise to global markets. However, the GII report notes that to further improve its ranking, Morocco needs to expand its research capabilities, strengthen enterprise R&D, and deepen links between science and industry.
To maintain its momentum, the GII recommends that Morocco focus on strengthening ties between universities and businesses, developing R&D in the private sector, and improving access to financing for startups and expanding enterprises, particularly venture capital. By addressing these areas, Morocco can continue to build on its innovation successes.
The Moroccan government's efforts to promote innovation and entrepreneurship have yielded positive results, with the country's performance in the GII serving as a testament to its progress. As the country continues to invest in innovation, it is likely to remain a leader in the region and make further strides in the global innovation landscape.
Key points
- Morocco ranks 54th in the 2026 Global Innovation Index, up from 75th in 2020.
- The country has made significant improvements in industrial designs, intangible asset intensity, and labor productivity.
- Morocco needs to expand research capabilities, strengthen enterprise R&D, and deepen links between science and industry to further improve its ranking.
