Digital transformation: A pillar of structural transformation of Moroccan economy

Abstract

This article examines the crucial role of digital transformation in the success of the Moroccan economy's structural transformation (ST) process between 2015 and 2023. Based on this period, the study captures the hollow effects of digital transformation on Morocco's sustainable development. Analysis of this time series also enables us to identify the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing digital transformation in the Moroccan economy. It also offers valuable insights for guiding sectoral public policies and development strategies, maximizing the benefits of the digital revolution while minimizing potential risks. After establishing the theoretical foundations of ST, the study explores the complex dynamics between observed socio-economic mutations and the adoption of advanced technologies in Morocco. These theoretical frameworks help contextualize the empirical study that follows. The study continues with an in-depth econometric study, estimating a non-linear autoregressive distributed model (NARDL). This estimation aims to analyze the effect of various variables, such as high-tech exports, gross fixed capital formation, diversification of production and export structures, as well as GDP per capita in constant dollars, on the economic complexity index considered in this study as a proxy for the ST process of the Moroccan economy. The outputs of the econometric study highlighted the significant importance of these variables in the success of the Moroccan economy's ST process. These results demonstrate the potential of digital transformation as a catalyst for ST in the Moroccan economy, paving the way for a resilient and more dynamic economic future for Morocco.