IRES Intelligence Platform (IIP)

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IRES Intelligence Platform (IIP)

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ANNUAL SURVEY PAPER

Can a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas ?
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2023

Exponentiality : all structural phenomena that accelerate exponentially, such as communication technologies, digitalization, demographics, economic competition, financialization, and social inequalities.

Table of content

BIOTECHNOLOGY

Biotech*DéfinitionA 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. 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

blockchain*DéfinitionTransparent, 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.1 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

The idea of storing data in the cloud*DéfinitionData repository where computer data is stored and accessed remotely via a communications network, usually the Internet.(cloudification*)DéfinitionCloudification is the migration of applications, data storage and computing cycles to the cloud to harness the potential of cloud computing. often obscures the fact that this data is actually physically stored in (datacenters*)DéfinitionA 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. 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*DéfinitionBig 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., the Internet of Things*DéfinitionRefers 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. and Blockchain means datacenters will need 3 to 13% of the planet’s electricity by 2030 (up from 1% in 2010)2. This is no doubt why communications technology companies are the world’s leading consumers of renewable energy (15 gigawatts in 2021)3.

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

Photovoltaic*DéfinitionPhotovoltaic 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. 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 1950s4. 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 20215 while its efficiency rose from 13.8% in 2010 to 17.2% in 20216, two determining factors for its widespread adoption.

With one of the world’s greatest solar energy potentials7, 90% foreign energy dependency in 20208 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*DéfinitionDesignates 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). sector. Clear legislation and incentives, for businesses, public authorities and private individuals alike, could encourage such an energy transition.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Artificial Intelligence*DéfinitionArtificial 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. 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 19569, 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 202610.

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 considerations11, the challenge now is to measure and anticipate the real impact of Artificial Intelligence on the job market. McKinsey Global Institute12, 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

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 *DéfinitionA supply chain is a network that brings together a multitude of inputs (raw materials procurement, product development, parts assembly, product testing, shipping) to provide goods for final consumption. 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

Pharmaceutical sovereignty*DéfinitionA 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. 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 202013. 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

An electric vehicle*DéfinitionMotor 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. 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 202114.

This exponential trend is set to persist in the years ahead, supported by technological advances and the drive to decarbonize mobility15.

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 202116. 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.

Références

  1. Nakamoto, S. "Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System”. Bitcoin. 2009.
  2. Andrae, Anders S. G., and Tomas Edler. "On Global Electricity Usage of Communication Technology: Trends to 2030". Challenges 6, no. 1. 2015: 117-157.
  3. IEA. "Renewables 2021". IEA, Paris : 2021. License : CC BY 4.0.
  4. Europe Energie. "Petite histoire du photovoltaïque", Europe Energie website. August 2019. Last consulted: 25-07-2023.
  5. IRENA. “Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2021", International Renewable Energy Agency, Abu Dhabi: 2022. ISBN 978-92-9260-452-3.
  6. Ibid.
  7. Estimé à 5kWh/m2/jour: AZEROUAL Mohamed, EL MAKRINI Aboubakr, EL MOUSSAOUI Hassan and EL MARKHI Hassane 2018. “Renewable Energy Potential and Available Capacity for Wind and Solar Power in Morocco Towards 2030”. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review 11(1) 2018 : 189-198.
  8. Royal Institute for Strategic Studies. "Développement des énergies solaire et éolienne au Maroc : enseignements et perspectives", July 2020, page 108.
  9. SUEZ. "Les dates clés de l'Intelligence Artificielle". Site web de Suez, Dernière consultation : le 26-07-2023.
  10. Mordor Intelligence. "Marché de l'intelligence artificielle - croissance, tendances, impact du Covid-19 et prévisions (2023-2028)” Site web de Mordor Intelligence. Dernière consultation : le 24-07-2023.
  11. Bertrand BRAUNSCHWEIG. "Les cinq murs de l'Intelligence Artificielle". Revue Futuribles n° 453. 2023.
  12. McKinsey Global Institute. "Jobs lost, jobs gained: Workforce transitions in a time of automation – Executive Summary”. Mc.
  13. Leem. "Données générales du marché mondial - La part de marché de l’Europe en croissance”. Leem : les entreprises du médicament. Janvier 2023. Dernière consultation : le 26-07-2023.
  14. Irle, Roland. "Global EV Sales for 2022". EV-volumes.com. Dernière consultation : le 26-07-2023.
  15. McKerracher Colin, Wagner Siobhan. Bloomberg New Energy Finance website. 2021. Last consulted: 26-07-2023.
  16. The Moroccan Vehicle Importers Association (AIVAM). “Performances du marché automobile au Maroc en 2022”. Casablanca : 2022. p.13.