Morocco has risen to its best ranking yet in the 2026 Global Innovation Index, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The country climbed three places to take the 54th spot globally. This improvement reflects Morocco's upward trajectory in the index, moving from 75th place in 2020 to 57th in 2025, and now 54th in 2026.
The Global Innovation Index assesses 139 economies based on 79 indicators covering innovation inputs and outputs. Morocco ranked fourth among lower-middle-income economies and seventh in the North Africa and West Asia region. The WIPO highlighted that Morocco, along with China, India, Vietnam, Turkey, the Philippines, and Indonesia, has rapidly ascended in the rankings over the past decade.
Morocco's progress is driven by its balanced approach to enhancing industry and valorizing intangible assets. The country excels in various areas, including industrial designs, where it ranks fifth globally, and in the density of intangible assets, ranking eighth. Additionally, Morocco is 13th in labor productivity growth, 16th in trademarks, and 22nd in the stability of public policies oriented towards businesses.
The WIPO report noted that Morocco's economy is gradually shifting towards more technology-intensive activities and greater reliance on intangible capital. This transformation is reflected in its high ranking in high-tech manufacturing industries. The report also emphasized the importance of expanding research capabilities, strengthening research and development within companies, and fostering connections between science and industry.
In terms of innovation inputs, which include resources, investments, and conditions that enable innovation, Morocco ranks 76th. However, it performs better in innovation outputs, which measure results in knowledge, technology, and creativity, ranking 46th. This disparity indicates that Morocco efficiently converts allocated resources into tangible outcomes.
The WIPO suggests that to sustain this progress, Morocco should focus on enhancing research and development within the private sector, improving access to financing for start-ups and expanding companies, and strengthening university-industry collaborations. By addressing these areas, Morocco can continue to improve its innovation ecosystem and climb further in the Global Innovation Index.
The Global Innovation Index is an annual publication by WIPO that provides a comprehensive ranking of economies based on their innovation performance. The index covers a wide range of indicators, from institutions and human capital to infrastructure and market sophistication, offering a holistic view of innovation globally.
Key points
- Morocco achieves its best ranking in the Global Innovation Index at 54th place.
- The country excels in industrial designs and intangible asset density.
- Morocco's economy is shifting towards more technology-intensive activities and greater reliance on intangible capital.
