Morocco’s justice sector modernization demonstrates that digital transformation is not only a technological shift, but also a governance and development strategy. As courts increasingly adopt e-filing, digital case management, online access to judicial decisions, videoconferencing, and performance-monitoring systems, the benefits extend beyond administrative efficiency to influence the cost of doing business, access to justice, the credibility of public institutions, and progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16): Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

This policy brief examines Morocco’s citizen- and business-centric justice modernization program through a cost-benefit analysis. With a forecast budget allocation of USD 106.94 million, the study estimates a net present value of USD 89.23 million at a 5% discount rate, a cost-benefit ratio of 1.93, a profitability index of 1.74, an internal rate of return of 21%, and a return on investment of 83%. The net present value remains positive under alternative discount-rate scenarios, indicating the economic robustness of the reform.

The benefits extend across several areas. Digital systems can reduce delays and transaction costs, improve transparency and accountability, strengthen contract enforcement, and make justice more accessible to citizens and businesses. These improvements can contribute to a stronger investment climate while enhancing institutional trust and social inclusion.

The brief highlights the case for sustained investment in digital justice while emphasizing that technology must be accompanied by procedural simplification, institutional reform, effective data governance, and measures to prevent digital exclusion. Digital justice reform should therefore be viewed as a strategic public investment in institutional quality, economic competitiveness, and social inclusion.

This policy brief introduces the Smart Economy Readiness Index (SERI), a composite framework for assessing and benchmarking the readiness of BRICS+ economies to transition toward smart economic systems. The index evaluates national readiness across key dimensions, including education, digital infrastructure, research and development, innovation, and governance.

The analysis identifies four stages of smart economy readiness across BRICS+ economies. The UAE and China emerge as the most advanced, supported by strong digital infrastructure, innovation capabilities, and institutional coordination, while other economies demonstrate varying levels of readiness and face challenges related to infrastructure, human capital, innovation ecosystems, and governance. The findings also reveal considerable structural inertia, suggesting that without targeted policy intervention, countries are likely to remain within their existing readiness levels rather than transition naturally toward higher levels.

The brief highlights the importance of an integrated policy approach that aligns investments in human capital, digital connectivity, research and innovation, and institutional capacity. It proposes the Smart Economy Readiness Index (SERI) as a benchmarking tool to track national progress, support evidence-based policymaking, and guide strategic reforms. For BRICS+ economies, strengthening coordination across these areas will be critical to building more competitive, resilient, and inclusive smart economies.

AI governance is increasingly shaping economic opportunity and digital sovereignty. This roadmap outlines actionable policy directions to help the Arab region operate effectively within evolving governance frameworks while strengthening its ability to shape future norms—through clearer regulation, responsible AI mechanisms, cross-border alignment, and full-stack ecosystem enablers (infrastructure, talent, R&D, capital, and IP).

This policy brief examines the global evolution of decentralized governance models enabled by blockchain technology, focusing on how these systems can enhance transparency, participation, and accountability in managing digital commons. Drawing on case studies from

major blockchain networks—including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tezos, Cardano, Algorand, and the Internet Computer—the brief analyzes how decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and on-chain governance mechanisms are shaping new models of collective decision-making.

The analysis highlights key challenges such as limited participation, lack of expertise, conflict of interest, and resource management inefficiencies, alongside technological innovations that address these issues through mechanisms like parametric governance, delegated voting, incentive structures, and multi-layered oversight. The brief also explores emerging regulatory frameworks, including the U.S. Financial Innovation and Technology Act, and considers the growing intersection between blockchain governance and artificial intelligence.

The brief concludes with policy recommendations for leveraging decentralized governance principles within the public sector, including piloting blockchain-based participatory budgeting, adopting algorithmic audit trails, promoting polycentric governance structures, and establishing regulatory sandboxes for experimentation. Collectively, these insights offer practical pathways for building more transparent, resilient, and inclusive governance systems in the digital age.