Royal Insitute advises Morocco to transition towards future industries

The Royal Institute for Strategic Studies (IRES) released a report that delves into the current state and future of Moroccan industry, highlighting both opportunities and challenges, as the county  actively explores paths towards the “Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

While Morocco has seen progress with its sectoral growth strategy and integration into global value chains, the report identifies some key limitations.

Limited coordination between industrial policies and those in education and research has hindered further advancement. Additionally, a dedicated national strategy for Industry, which goes beyond just efficiency and focuses on a holistic vision with social and environmental considerations, is currently lacking.

Industry X.0 represents a fundamental shift from relying solely on new technologies for mass production, as leading industrial nations have already embraced this transformation, emphasizing customization, sustainability, and ethical considerations.

This report emphasizes the importance of understanding how other countries are navigating this transition, taking into account factors like education quality, research and development, and energy infrastructure.

The report underscores the need for significant changes within Morocco’s industrial sector, advising Morocco to move away from a reliance on foreign investment and cost advantages; Morocco must embrace a future centered on innovation and advanced technologies.

Collaboration between various stakeholders – companies, research institutions, and the government – is critical to developing a concrete and coherent national strategy for new changes in the global industry.

While encouraging signs exist, with 88% of surveyed companies demonstrating awareness of Industry X.0, the report reveals a gap between knowledge and action. Many companies, particularly smaller ones, lack the resources or face technological and organizational challenges hindering full digitization.

However, with 45% actively implementing Industry X.0 initiatives, a proactive approach is evident. The motivations driving these companies to adopt Industry X.0 align with national economic goals.

Companies see it as a strategic tool to enhance competitiveness and differentiate themselves in the market. This alignment creates a strong foundation for collective action.

The report emphasizes the need for a more integrated approach, as currently many companies are working independently on their digitization efforts.

And despite a significant knowledge base regarding Industry 4.0 within Moroccan companies (65%), the report reveals a lagging adoption rate of its core technologies. Recognizing this disparity, the report recommends developing a regulatory framework to ensure these advanced tools’ ethical and safe use while promoting competitiveness.

Additionally, stricter regulations on greenhouse gas emissions are proposed to encourage industrial companies to invest in cleaner and more efficient technologies.