The influence of public–private partnerships on the quality of higher education in Morocco: A systematic review and state of the art

Abstract

In a context of increasing demands for quality, efficiency, and sustainable financing, Morocco has initiated a major reform of its higher education system through the ESRI 2030 Pact and the promotion of public-private partnerships (PPPs). These partnerships aim to modernize university infrastructure, diversify funding sources, and enhance governance. The research problem addressed is: what is the influence of PPPs on the quality of higher education in Morocco? To answer this, a systematic literature review supported by a bibliometric analysis using the PRISMA method was conducted, followed by a national case analysis of PPPs in higher education. Findings reveal that PPPs positively impact quality through innovative financing, improved infrastructure, shared governance, and pedagogical innovation. However, challenges remain regarding transparency, regulatory frameworks, and equity of access. This exploratory study sets the stage for future empirical research aiming to model and measure the impact of PPPs in the Moroccan higher education context.