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Agadir – Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation Azzedine El Midaoui has outlined a reform agenda aimed at addressing longstanding structural weaknesses in Morocco’s scientific research sector.
Speaking before the House of Representatives during Monday’s oral question session, El Midaoui acknowledged that scientific research in Morocco has suffered from significant shortcomings, ranging from weak governance and inadequate legal frameworks to limited funding and insufficient evaluation mechanisms.
“The scientific research sector has long faced several challenges,” the minister said. “We lacked an adequate legal framework, human resources did not meet international standards, funding was limited, and there was no regular, continuous, and systematic evaluation process.”
His remarks came amid concerns raised by members of parliament over Morocco’s research spending, which lawmakers noted remains below 1% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), compared with averages of around 2% in many other countries.
New legal framework for research
According to El Midaoui, one of the most significant reforms is the adoption of Law 24-65, which introduces a dedicated legal framework for scientific research.
The minister noted that the legislation includes an entire chapter comprising 14 articles devoted to scientific research, whereas the previous Law 01-00 contained no comparable provisions.
The reform also grants formal legal recognition to research institutions and laboratories, many of which previously operated without a clearly defined legal status.
“Research laboratories had no legal existence before,” El Midaoui explained, adding that the new framework institutionalizes research structures and clarifies their missions and responsibilities.
The government has also revised legislation governing the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRST), strengthening its regional role and expanding its capacity to conduct research activities directly rather than serving solely as a coordinating body.
In parallel, lawmakers recently approved amendments to the legal framework governing evaluation and quality assurance in higher education and scientific research.
Strategy for 2026-2035
The minister said Morocco is currently finalizing a new national strategy for scientific research covering the 2026-2035 period.
The strategy will be accompanied by a new university development model designed to strengthen research centers, create university hubs, and establish institutional structures dedicated to innovation and knowledge production.
“A university strategy has been developed to strengthen research centers and establish university hubs and structures that previously did not exist,” El Midaoui said
As part of the reforms, universities are being granted greater autonomy through new governance mechanisms. Institutions will be able to appoint up to ten vice-presidents and establish specialized centers tailored to their academic and research priorities.
El Midaoui also pointed to the creation of specialized research institutes and dedicated research infrastructure that did not previously exist within the national system.
To improve accountability and performance, research structures will now be subject to regular organizational reviews and periodic evaluations.
Diversifying funding sources
While lawmakers called for increased public investment in scientific research, the minister stressed the importance of mobilizing additional funding from outside government budgets.
National mechanisms have been established to attract resources and provide support for research projects, innovation initiatives, and accreditation programs, he said.
Funding sources are being diversified through contributions from the state, local authorities, public institutions, and private-sector organizations.
“Funding sources have been diversified, including contributions from the state, territorial authorities, public institutions, and private-sector organizations,” El Midaoui stated.
El Midaoui emphasized that private-sector involvement remains essential to the long-term development of scientific research.
“In most European countries, as well as in the United States and Canada, more than 50% of research funding comes from private-sector contributions,” he noted.
To support research activities, the government has also adopted a joint decision with the Ministry of Finance aimed at simplifying the importation of scientific equipment and research materials.
International partnerships and new investments
The minister announced the launch of a national research program in partnership with the OCP Group, backed by an investment of MAD 1 billion ($100 million).
Additional support will come through the recently launched PRIME program and a series of partnerships involving national stakeholders.
Among the most significant developments, El Midaoui revealed that Morocco has secured a special partnership status with the European Union in the field of scientific research.
According to the minister, Morocco is only the third country worldwide to obtain this status, which is expected to unlock new funding opportunities and strengthen research cooperation with European institutions.
The partnership is expected to be formally signed in the coming months.
