Morocco Makes Strides in Global Innovation, Claiming Top Spot in Industrial Design
Morocco has jumped four places to secure the 66th position in the 2024 Global Innovation Index (GII), solidifying its place as a rising hub for innovation in Africa. The announcement, made in Geneva on Thursday, highlights the country’s commitment to fostering creativity and technological advancement.
The GII, published annually by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), assesses the innovation performance of 133 economies worldwide. Morocco’s impressive climb is particularly noteworthy as it outperforms expectations for its development level. This achievement places the nation among the top 70 economies and within an elite group of middle-income countries that have demonstrated the fastest growth in innovation since 2013.
This group includes other emerging powerhouses like China, India, Indonesia, Iran, the Philippines, Turkey, and Vietnam, showcasing Morocco’s increasing presence on the global innovation stage.
Morocco’s success story is built on a foundation of strategic investments and a focus on key areas:
Industrial Design Dominance: Morocco now holds the coveted top spot globally in industrial design, a testament to its burgeoning creative industries. This achievement reflects a significant leap from its previous ranking of 10th.
Education Prioritization: The nation ranks among the top 30 countries for education spending, recognizing that investing in human capital is crucial for driving innovation.
Intangible Assets: Morocco’s strong performance in intangible assets, which include intellectual property, brand value, and software, further underscores its commitment to knowledge-based growth.
High-Tech Manufacturing: The country’s presence among the top 30 in high-tech manufacturing highlights its focus on developing advanced technological capabilities.
These achievements are further reflected in Morocco’s overall GII score of 28.8, marking the sixth consecutive year the country has maintained its status as an “innovation achiever.” This designation recognizes nations that outperform their economic peers in innovation output.
Morocco’s progress has significant regional implications as well. The country now holds the second position in Africa, trailing only Mauritius (ranked 55th globally). This places Morocco ahead of South Africa (69th), Tunisia (81st), and Egypt (86th), with Algeria significantly behind at 115th.
The GII’s impact extends beyond rankings. Now in its 17th edition, the index serves as a vital tool for policymakers, business leaders, and stakeholders worldwide. It provides valuable insights into global innovation trends, guiding efforts to unlock human ingenuity and address shared challenges like climate change.
Morocco’s continued ascent in the GII is a testament to its dedication to fostering a culture of innovation. As the country continues to invest in its people, infrastructure, and technological capabilities, it is well-positioned to become a leading force in the global innovation landscape.
