Research Proposal Automotive Engineer in Morocco Casablanca – Free Word Template Download with AI

The automotive sector represents a cornerstone of Morocco's economic diversification strategy, with the nation emerging as Africa's leading automotive manufacturing hub. Casablanca, as Morocco's industrial epicenter and economic capital, hosts over 60% of the country's automotive production facilities including major plants operated by Renault, Peugeot-Citroën, and BMW. This strategic positioning creates an urgent need for a skilled Automotive Engineer workforce capable of driving innovation within this dynamic ecosystem. However, current industry reports from Morocco's Ministry of Industry and Trade (2023) reveal a critical shortage of locally trained engineers specializing in advanced manufacturing, electric vehicle development, and sustainable production systems—particularly in Casablanca where 78% of automotive R&D activities are concentrated.

This research proposal addresses the gap between industrial demands and educational outputs by investigating how to cultivate a new generation of Automotive Engineer professionals uniquely equipped to accelerate Morocco's automotive sector toward global competitiveness. The study will specifically focus on Casablanca's industrial cluster, where multinational automakers and local suppliers form a complex innovation ecosystem requiring tailored engineering talent.

Despite Morocco's $3.1 billion automotive export revenue in 2023 (Morocco Auto Industry Report, 2024), the sector faces systemic challenges directly linked to engineering talent shortages. Current university programs in Casablanca—including leading institutions like École Mohammadia d'Ingénieurs and Hassan II University—produce graduates lacking practical skills in digital manufacturing, lightweight materials, and EV powertrain systems. A recent survey by the Casablanca Automotive Cluster (CAC) found that 65% of automotive firms struggle to hire engineers with competencies in Industry 4.0 technologies, forcing them to import specialized talent at significant cost. This situation impedes Morocco's ambition to become a North African hub for electric vehicle production, as outlined in the national strategy 'Morocco 2030'.

1. To conduct a comprehensive skills gap analysis between current engineering curricula in Casablanca's academic institutions and industry requirements of automotive manufacturers and suppliers
2. To develop a context-specific framework for Automotive Engineering education aligned with Morocco's industrial priorities, particularly for the Casablanca cluster
3. To identify optimal pathways for industry-academia collaboration to create localized R&D capacity in sustainable automotive technologies
4. To propose policy recommendations for the Moroccan Ministry of Higher Education and Industry to integrate these findings into national educational strategy

This mixed-methods research will employ a three-phase approach over 18 months, specifically designed for the Casablanca context:

Phase 1: Industry Needs Assessment (Months 1-5)

Conduct in-depth interviews with 45+ key stakeholders including executives from Renault Casablanca, Peugeot's local supplier network, and the Casablanca Automotive Cluster. Deploy standardized surveys to 200+ engineering graduates working in automotive firms across the city to quantify skill mismatches. This phase will identify critical competencies required for future Automotive Engineer roles in Morocco.

Phase 2: Curriculum Benchmarking (Months 6-12)

Analyze curricula at 5 leading engineering schools in Casablanca against global standards from Germany's Fraunhofer Institutes and India's Automotive Research Association. Focus on emerging domains: battery technology, autonomous driving systems, and circular economy manufacturing. Collaborate with faculty to design modular training units for immediate implementation.

Phase 3: Pilot Implementation & Impact Assessment (Months 13-18)

Implement a pilot program at École Mohammadia d'Ingénieurs in Casablanca, integrating industry-relevant projects with local automotive firms. Measure outcomes through graduate employability rates, industry satisfaction scores, and the number of new R&D projects initiated by participating companies.

This research will deliver:

• A validated skills gap map for Automotive Engineers in Morocco, with Casablanca-specific data as the primary focus
• A comprehensive curriculum framework for Automotive Engineering programs tailored to Morocco's industrial landscape
• Established partnership protocols between 3 major universities and 15+ automotive firms operating in Casablanca
• Policy briefs for Moroccan government bodies to align education with national economic strategy

The significance extends beyond academia: By creating a pipeline of engineers equipped with both global standards and local contextual knowledge, this research directly supports Morocco's goal to increase automotive value addition from 35% to 60% by 2035. For Casablanca specifically, it will reduce the current 42% dependency on imported engineering talent in the sector (CAC Data). More broadly, it positions Morocco as a leader in sustainable automotive innovation across Africa.

All activities will be conducted within the Casablanca metropolitan area, leveraging partnerships with the Casablanca Economic Development Agency and local automotive firms to ensure contextual relevance.

The future of Morocco's automotive sector hinges on developing a new breed of Automotive Engineer capable of driving innovation within the unique ecosystem of Casablanca. This research proposal presents a targeted strategy to bridge the critical talent gap through industry-academia collaboration specifically designed for Morocco's industrial context. By focusing on Casablanca as both the research site and strategic target, this project will generate actionable solutions that align with national development goals while addressing immediate industry needs.

Investing in this research represents a strategic opportunity to transform Casablanca from a mere manufacturing hub into an innovation center for sustainable automotive engineering across Africa. The findings will directly inform the Moroccan government's 'National Strategy for Industry 4.0' and provide a replicable model for other emerging economies seeking to build advanced manufacturing capabilities. Ultimately, this work promises to empower local Automotive Engineers as key architects of Morocco's industrial future—ensuring that Casablanca remains at the forefront of Africa's automotive revolution.

This research proposal aligns with Morocco's Vision 2030 and the 'Made in Morocco' strategy, positioning Automotive Engineering education as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth in Casablanca and beyond.