The 2026 edition of the Global Innovation Index (GII), published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), has ranked Morocco 54th out of 139 economies, marking its best historical ranking. This represents a three-place climb for the Kingdom, which had previously ranked 57th. Morocco's progress reflects its successful combination of industrial upgrading and commercial valorization of intangible assets.
Morocco's improvement in the GII rankings confirms its upward trajectory, having risen from 75th place in 2020 to its current position. The Kingdom ranks 4th among lower-middle-income countries and 7th in the North Africa and West Asia region. According to the WIPO, Morocco excels in various areas, including industrial designs, where it ranks 5th, and intangible asset intensity, where it ranks 8th.
The WIPO report highlights Morocco's notable performance in several key areas, including a 13th ranking in labor productivity growth and 16th in trademarks. Additionally, the Kingdom ranks 22nd in terms of public policy stability for businesses and 23rd in the proportion of science and engineering graduates. Morocco also demonstrates a strong position in high-tech manufacturing production, ranking 28th.
The report emphasizes that Morocco is leading the dynamic observed in North Africa, combining industrial upgrading with commercial valorization of intangible assets. This performance is part of a broader structural transformation of the Moroccan economy, shifting from a primary-based economy to one with a greater emphasis on technology-intensive and knowledge-based sectors.
In terms of resources and investments mobilized for innovation, Morocco ranks 76th, while in terms of concrete results in research, technology, and creativity, the Kingdom achieves a significantly better ranking of 46th. This indicates that Morocco effectively transforms its investments into tangible results.
The GII report notes that Morocco is among a handful of countries, including China, India, Turkey, and the Philippines, whose progress is driven not only by increased innovation resources but also by the ability to connect national expertise to global markets. To further improve its ranking, Morocco will need 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 university-industry links, developing R&D in the private sector, and improving access to financing for start-ups and expanding enterprises, particularly venture capital. By addressing these areas, Morocco can continue to build on its innovation achievements and move up the global rankings.
Key points
- Morocco ranks 54th in the 2026 Global Innovation Index, its best historical ranking.
- The Kingdom excels in industrial designs, intangible asset intensity, and labor productivity growth.
- Morocco must strengthen university-industry links and R&D in the private sector to further improve its innovation ranking.
