The digital transformation of Moroccan universities: Issues and perspectives

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation of higher education, thus constituting a major challenge for its modernization. This transformation involves adopting digital technologies in three key areas: academic management, teaching and research. This conceptual study aims to demonstrate the added value of digital transformation for universities and highlight key success factors at the Moroccan scale. Some Moroccan universities have developed their own digital strategies to overcome the challenges of the sector, which are mainly related to overcrowding and modernization needs. The analysis of digital strategies of Moroccan universities, notably Mohamed V, Hassan II and Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, revealed major challenges: insufficient digital infrastructures, limited training of teachers in digital tools, and the lack of a coherent national strategy, a persistent digital divide and resistance to change within institutions. However, the future prospects are promising with a growing commitment to establish centralized digital governance, develop digital skills and personalize the learning experience. This digital transformation is no longer an option, but a must, it is essential to improve quality, facilitate employability and modernize the education sector as a whole. Its success will largely depend on the ability of institutions to invest in infrastructure, train their staff and continually adapt to technological developments. The main challenge is to implement a comprehensive strategy that integrates technological innovation, skills development and a forward-looking vision of higher education.

Keywords: Moroccan University, Digital Transformation Strategy, Modernisation, Issues, Perspectives.

Classification JEL: I23.

Paper type: Theoretical Research