Summary of the Evaluation of Cities of Innovation and Technology Transfer (CITT) at Moroccan Universities

Introduction. Science, technology, and innovation are pivotal for economic policy worldwide. Morocco, aiming to boost its competitiveness, has implemented reforms to enhance economic diversity and foster university-business links since 2000, although the impact on technological advancement remains limited.Problem Statement. Morocco’s Cities of Innovation and Technological Transfer (CITT) lack a defi ned statutory role within university structures, restricting their decision-making infl uence. This study examines these constraints to suggest strategic improvements.Purpose. The goal is a comprehensive evaluation of CITTs across Moroccan universities, identifying their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to propose a strategic plan for better integration and eff ectiveness in the national innovation system.Materials and Methods. Employing a mixed methodology, this research analyzes the innovation and technological transfer structures within six Moroccan public universities through SWOT analysis, focusing on innovation capacities and interinstitutional collaborations. Data were collected via validated questionnaires, interviews, and field observations.Results. CITTs align with the universities’ strategic visions, enhancing scientifi c research and socio-economic engagement. Recommendations focus on defining clear mission statements, developing strategic policies, and fostering proactive collaborations to improve CITT operations and visibility.Conclusions. The study highlights CITTs’ potential to drive socio-economic and scientific progress in Morocco. Despite challenges like regulatory impacts and limited university autonomy, enhancing these structures’ roles is crucial for national development. Strategic plans and university autonomy are recommended to integrate innovation more effectively into Morocco’s broader development goals.