ANNUAL SURVEY PAPER 2023
BIOTECHNOLOGY
- 09/10/2023
Biotech*A field encompassing all technologies and applications involving the use or modification of living materials for scientific research to further human knowledge, or for commercial purposes to develop a product or service.
Source: “La biotechnologie, c’est quoi?”. November 2020. https://www.geo.fr/environnement/la-biotechnologie-cest-quoi-193500
combines biology and technology to develop products and techniques that improve our understanding of life, health, and the environment.
Biotech has grown significantly over the past 20 years, thanks to major advances including: the full sequencing of the human genome (2003), the CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing tool (2012), gene therapy for specific hereditary diseases (such as spinal muscular atrophy), regenerative medicine (stem cells), ….
Current issues (ethics, sustainability, safety) underscore the need for a thoughtful, ethical, and regulated approach to biotech development and application, maximizing positive impacts while minimizing risks to society and the environment.
Biotech in Morocco is a growing discipline, focused primarily on health, agriculture, and the environment (Research, Development, and Innovation) – genetic disease diagnosis, disease-resistant crop development, biodiversity conservation, …. A regulatory framework to support the development of biotechnology-related activities is highly recommended.
BLOCKCHAIN
- 09/10/2023
Blockchain*Transparent, secure information transmission and storage technology that operates without a central control body. It constitutes a database holding the history of all exchanges among users since its creation.
Source: Commission Nationale de l’Information et des Libertés (France). “Blockchain”. https://www.cnil.fr/fr/definition/blockchain technology provides a secure and transparent digital ledger. It uses a decentralized network of interconnected computers to immutably record and verify transactions. Thanks to cryptography, it offers secure, traceable transactions without the need for a central authority.
Its practical use since 2009 (applied to a cryptocurrency) has introduced a new paradigm of data storage and management (security, transparency, trust, decentralization, reduction of intermediaries) which has opened the doors to numerous other applications in fields as varied as finance, logistics, health, energy, …
Its disruptive potential is by no means done: blockchain is disrupting legacy business models (smart contracts, traceability, peer-to-peer), the use of trusted third parties (notary’s office, for example), and generating innovative ecosystems (innovation, research, collaboration).
In the case of Africa, blockchain could transform land ownership by providing transparent and unassailable security for acquisition or transfer.
A few blockchain projects and collaborations are underway in Morocco, notably in the areas of finance and logistics. While blockchain in Morocco is still at an early stage of development, the level of interest and initiatives underway indicate the country does recognize the potential and is looking to explore blockchain applications to drive innovation, improve process efficiency and foster economic development.
DATA Cloudification*
- 09/10/2023
The idea of storing data in the Cloud*Data repository where computer data is stored and accessed remotely via a communications network, usually the Internet.
Source: Dabi-Schwebel, Gabriel. “Cloud. August 2014. https://www.1min30.com/dictionnaire-du-web/cloud often obscures the fact that this data is actually physically stored in Datacenters*A physical location and service housing IT equipment including servers, routers, switches, hard disks, … These are used to store and distribute data, via an internal network or over the Internet.
Source: Futura. “Data center: what is it?”. January 2020. https://www.futura-sciences.com/tech/definitions/informatique-data-center-15675/, a fast-growing business segment. These server farms are essential to the digitalization of our economy and society, storing, processing and distributing immense quantities of data.
Operating them, however, raises a set of major issues, not the least of which is high energy and space requirements, worrisome environmental impact (manufacturing, use and disposal), and respect to data security (combating cyber-attacks, ability to ensure continuous, reliable service).
The growing adoption of Artificial Intelligence, Big data*“Big Data” denotes data which, by virtue of its volume, velocity and variety, requires advanced technologies and analytical methods to process and extract value from it.
Source: Bremme, Loïc, ” Définition : Qu’est-ce que le Big Data ?”. lebigdata.fr. https://www.lebigdata.fr/definition-big-data, the Internet of Things*“Refers to connecting physical objects to the Internet (home automation, medical equipment, industrial machinery, …), as well as the network that links these objects together. It enables data to be transferred over a network without human-to-human or human-to-machine interaction.
Source: OVHCloud. “Qu’est-ce que l’Internet des objets (IOT)?”. https://www.ovhcloud.com/fr-ma/learn/what-is-iot/ and Blockchain means datacenters will need 3 to 13% of the planet’s electricity by 2030 (up from 1% in 2010). This is no doubt why communications technology companies are the world’s leading consumers of renewable energy (15 gigawatts in 2021).
Morocco has made significant efforts to attract investment in this area, and to develop its own data center infrastructure, e.g. Maroc Datacenter in Temara. Offering renewable energy and environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient cooling is certainly welcome.
PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR ENERGY
- 09/10/2023
Photovoltaic*Photovoltaic solar energy converts solar energy into electricity using solar panels made up of photovoltaic cells. Under the effect of solar radiation, these cells generate an electric current, which can then be fed back into the power grid.
Source : EDF Energie. “Energie solaire qu’est-ce que c’est ? Et comment l’exploiter ?”. August 2022. https://www.edfenr.com/guide-solaire/energie-solaire/ solar energy is a renewable form of energy that converts sunlight into electricity using solar cells made from semiconductor materials such as silicon.
Space technologies were the first to adopt photovoltaic solar energy in the late 1950s. It has since established itself as an essential energy solution, driven by growing environmental awareness and advances in research and development in this area.
A source of decarbonated energy (with no greenhouse gas emissions), its initial production costs have dropped 88% from 2010 to 2021, while its efficiency rose from 13.8% in 2010 to 17.2% in 2021, two determining factors for its widespread adoption.
With one of the world’s greatest solar energy potentials, 90% foreign energy dependency in 2020 and a domestic energy mix predominantly comprised of fossil fuels, Morocco is in a position to step up photovoltaic solar energy adoption at all levels, and nurture a sound green hydrogen*Designates Hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, i.e. electrolysis, which breaks down water molecules (H2O) with an electric current to obtain dioxygen (O2) and dihydrogen (H2).
Source: Orygeen. “What is Green Hydrogen?”. https://www.orygeen.eu/docs-actus/glossaire/hydrogene-vert/ sector. Clear legislation and incentives, for businesses, public authorities and private individuals alike, could encourage such an energy transition.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
- 09/10/2023
Artificial Intelligence*Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a process that imitates human intelligence using algorithms in a dynamic computing environment. Its aim is to give computers the ability to think and act like human beings.
Source: Larousse Encyclopedia. ” Intelligence artificielle “. https://www.larousse.fr/encyclopedie/divers/intelligence_artificielle/187257 is a field of computer science that specializes in systems capable of imitating human intelligence. It aims to develop machines capable of learning, reasoning, perceiving and solving problems autonomously. Artificial Intelligence techniques include machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing and robotics.
Artificial Intelligence has developed steadily in terms of both research and applications since 1956. Today, the Artificial Intelligence market is expanding exponentially: global AI spending stood at $50 billion in 2020, and is poised to surpass $185 billion in 2026.
Artificial Intelligence-based solutions abound today across all sectors of activity, from finance and medicine to education, transport and industry, thus confirming its broad adoption as a new technological solution.
However, the latest notable development in Artificial Intelligence is the release of “ChatGPT” (Generative Artificial Intelligence) conversational agents to the general public, highlighting some of the challenges involved in developing this type of technology.
Beyond ethical, energy and security considerations, the challenge now is to measure and anticipate the real impact of Artificial Intelligence on the job market. McKinsey Global Institute estimates that some 400 to 800 million jobs will be threatened by automation and the adoption of Artificial Intelligence by 2030, not only in administrative, legal and support fields, but also in creative intellectual sectors such as journalism, design, innovation and even strategy.
Recognizing the importance of Artificial Intelligence, Morocco is implementing initiatives to promote the development of this field. Artificial Intelligence research centers, public-private partnerships and educational programs are emerging to foster research, training and youth involvement in the field. These successes deserve to be supported by the design and implementation of a national Artificial Intelligence strategy.
SECURING SUPPLY CHAINS*
- 09/10/2023
The idea is to guarantee the availability and quality of raw materials, products and services, by reducing dependence on external suppliers and diversifying sources of supply.
Supply chain security has become a major concern in the areas of energy, information and communication technologies, health and food since the turn of the century, in the wake of the 2001 attacks (USA), the 2002 SARS epidemic, the 2006 bird flu epidemic and the 2020 Covid-19 epidemic. Natural disasters and cyber-attacks have also highlighted this vulnerability on a daily basis.
Supply chain security is now recognized as a crucial strategic issue to ensure business continuity, minimize disruption and protect the reputation and assets of organizations. There are still considerable challenges to be met to achieve security, notably in terms of regulation (standards), international cooperation, and developing new sustainable sources of supply.
Morocco is also committed to securing this supply (regulatory framework, logistics infrastructure, Exclusive Economic Zones, …) so as to provide a secure regional supply territory to Europe and Africa. It is up to every Moroccan industrial operator to exercise the utmost vigilance in this area, and to take proactive steps to broaden supply chains.
PHARMACEUTICAL SOVEREIGNTY
- 09/10/2023
Pharmaceutical sovereignty*A country’s or group of countries’ ability to have complete control over its pharmaceutical policies, drug production, and supply, and its capacity to meet the health needs of its population in terms of essential medicines.
Source: African Development Bank. “Annual Meetings 2023: Africa’s pharmaceutical sovereignty on the agenda for discussion”. May 2023. https://www.afdb.org/fr/news-and-events/assemblees-annuelles-2023-la-souverainete-pharmaceutique-de-lafrique-lordre-du-jour-des-discussions-61327 is a country’s ability to make autonomous decisions with regard to its pharmaceutical policy, production, distribution and access to medicine. It implies policies and measures that ensure a population’s health needs are met sustainably and independently, without excessive dependence on pharmaceutical imports.
The vulnerability of heavily import-dependent countries became apparent as early as the oil crisis of the 1970s (“global supply chain disruption”). In turn, the AIDS epidemic (80s), the Ebola epidemic (2015) and the Covid-19 pandemic underlined the need to strengthen national pharmaceutical sovereignty and promote policies and initiatives that ensure equitable access for all to essential medicines (including antiretrovirals).
While emerging countries (India, Brazil, China, South Africa) have made significant strides, the vast majority of developing countries still struggle to develop national production capacities, strengthen pharmaceutical R&D, promote the production of generic medicines, consolidate national regulations and gain access to the necessary pharmaceutical knowledge and resources.
At the same time, aging populations, strong emerging markets growth, advances in gene and cell-based therapies, and rising health spending per household in many countries, all combine to fuel accelerated growth in the global pharmaceuticals market: global sales hit $1,291 billion in 2021, up over 6.8% from 2020. Pharmaceutical sovereignty is now a structural issue.
Morocco has taken several steps to strengthen its pharmaceutical sovereignty: promoting local production, developing R&D capacities, pharmaceutical regulation, regional and international cooperation, and equitable access to medicines. Drawing lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Kingdom has embarked on the production of vaccines to cover its domestic needs and those of the African continent.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
- 09/10/2023
An electric vehicle*Motor vehicle that runs partially or exclusively on electric power, which is stored in a rechargeable battery, unlike cars with internal combustion engines, which use gasoline or diesel to propel the vehicle.
Source: Mauguit, Quentin. “Electric cars: what are they?”. Futura. October 2013.
https://www.futura-sciences.com/tech/definitions/voiture-electrique-voiture-electrique-13758/ draws motive power primarily from electricity stored in a large-capacity rechargeable battery, whatever the technical configuration (hybrid, 100% electric, hydrogen, …).
Electric cars only really emerged in the early 2010s, with sales rising from 125,000 units worldwide in 2012 to 6.4 million in 2021.
This exponential trend is set to persist in the years ahead, supported by technological advances and the drive to decarbonize mobility.
The use of electric vehicles in Morocco is still at an embryonic stage, despite a recent but significant increase from 1,163 units in 2018 to 5,714 in 2021. The Kingdom stands to gain from expanding the use and production of electric vehicles, thereby partially decarbonizing a transport sector that is a major emitter of greenhouse gases, reducing the country’s heavy dependence on fossil fuels and joining the global production market for electric cars.