Casablanca – Morocco has significantly increased its investment in research and development (R&D), reaching approximately $2.2 billion annually in 2024, according to recent data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This steady rise in spending reflects the country’s growing focus on innovation as a key pillar for long-term economic growth, industrial competitiveness, and technological advancement.

The latest international rankings show that Morocco is among the fastest-growing economies globally in terms of research and development spending. Over the past 25 years, the country has recorded an average annual growth rate of 8.1% in R&D investment, highlighting a sustained national effort to strengthen scientific research and innovation capabilities.

Strong growth over two decades

Morocco’s investment in research has expanded substantially since the early 2000s. In 2000, national spending on research and development stood at approximately $342 million. By 2024, this figure had increased more than sixfold to reach $2.2 billion annually.

This rapid expansion has positioned Morocco 11th worldwide among the fastest-growing countries in research and development spending. At the regional level, Morocco ranks second in Africa and third in the Arab world, reflecting its growing role as an emerging innovation-driven economy.

The increase in spending reflects broader efforts to modernize Morocco’s economic structure and transition toward sectors that rely on knowledge, advanced technology, and industrial innovation.

Innovation becomes a strategic economic priority

Research and development includes systematic activities designed to expand scientific, technological, economic, and social knowledge. It also involves applying this knowledge to develop new products, improve industrial processes, and strengthen economic competitiveness.

The expansion of research investment reflects a growing recognition that innovation plays a central role in achieving economic sovereignty and sustainable growth. Countries that invest consistently in research are better equipped to strengthen productivity, develop competitive industries, and adapt to rapidly changing global markets.

For Morocco, increasing research spending is part of a broader strategy aimed at supporting industrial development, accelerating technological transformation, and improving its position in global value chains.

Global context: emerging economies accelerate research spending

Morocco’s progress comes within a broader global trend marked by rising investment in research and development, particularly among emerging economies.

Worldwide, total spending on research and development reached approximately $3 trillion in 2024, compared with less than $1 trillion in 2000. This sharp increase reflects the growing importance of innovation as a driver of economic growth, industrial competitiveness, and technological leadership.

China has led global growth in research spending, reaching approximately $785.9 billion in 2024, supported by strong and sustained annual increases. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Indonesia have also recorded rapid growth in research investment, highlighting the increasing importance of innovation across developing regions.

The United States remains the world’s largest overall spender, investing approximately $781.7 billion in research and development in 2024. However, its growth rate has been more moderate compared with emerging economies that are rapidly expanding their innovation systems.

Positive trajectory but challenges remain

International assessments describe Morocco’s current trajectory as positive, with steady growth in research investment and increasing national commitment to innovation. However, the key challenge remains translating this financial investment into measurable industrial and technological outcomes.

Experts emphasize that increasing research spending alone is not sufficient. The effectiveness of research investment depends on its ability to support industrial innovation, create new technologies, improve productivity, and generate economic value.

Strengthening links between research institutions, universities, and industrial sectors is considered essential to maximizing the impact of research spending. These connections help accelerate the transfer of knowledge into practical applications and support the development of competitive industries.

Economic and industrial benefits of sustained research investment

Sustained investment in research and development is strongly associated with long-term improvements in productivity and economic performance. Research spending contributes to technological progress, enhances industrial efficiency, and supports the creation of high-value economic activities.

It also plays a key role in attracting highly skilled professionals, strengthening national innovation ecosystems, and promoting entrepreneurship in advanced technology sectors.

Countries that invest heavily in research are better positioned to develop strategic industries such as aerospace, renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, biotechnology, and digital technologies. These sectors are increasingly critical for economic diversification and resilience.

For Morocco, expanding research investment supports broader national goals of industrial modernization, technological advancement, and economic diversification.

Long-term strategic positioning

Research and development investment is increasingly viewed as a long-term strategic choice rather than a financial burden. It strengthens economic resilience, supports industrial transformation, and enhances national competitiveness.

As global competition becomes more focused on innovation rather than low labor costs, countries that prioritize research investment gain a stronger position in international markets.

Morocco’s steady increase in research and development spending reflects its efforts to adapt to this global shift and build a more innovation-driven economy. Continued investment in research, combined with effective implementation and industrial integration, is expected to play a critical role in supporting the country’s future economic growth and technological development.

Morocco’s progress in expanding research investment signals a clear commitment to strengthening its scientific and technological capabilities, positioning itself more competitively within the global innovation landscape.