Smart innovation in Agriculture: The Future of Technology Transfer at the National Institute of Agricultural Research in Morocco

This article examines the Technology Transfer (TT) process at Morocco’s National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), highlighting recent developments, ongoing challenges, and future strategies. Since its establishment in 1914, INRA has been at the forefront of agricultural research and innovation, contributing significantly to crop improvement, sustainable farming practices, natural resource management, and the enhancement of agricultural product quality and processing. Over the decades, the institute has tackled key issues such as productivity, input-use efficiency, long-term sustainability, and, more recently, resilience to climate change. Notable achievements include the release and widespread adoption of improved crop varieties, the development of digital decision-support tools such as land suitability and fertility maps, and support for cooperatives in product valorization and the characterization of local agricultural typicity. Despite these successes, the TT process continues to face challenges, particularly weak coordination among stakeholders and limited valorization of research outputs. To address these issues, INRA has launched several initiatives, including the creation of a dedicated Technology Transfer unit to coordinate innovation and valorization efforts, the promotion of stronger institutional culture around intellectual property, and the improvement of communication tools for disseminating research outcomes. Looking ahead, INRA’s strategy includes the creation of a commercial subsidiary, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into research and transfer processes, and the strengthening of national and international partnerships. These efforts aim to enhance the impact of research and innovation, ultimately supporting the sustainability and resilience of Moroccan agriculture.