Moroccan English-language university providing MENA regional expertise in geopolitics, migration, security, and entrepreneurship to European research consortia.
Al Akhawayn University is a Moroccan English-language university that brings North African and Middle Eastern regional expertise to European research consortia. Their work spans geopolitical analysis of the MENA region, entrepreneurship and innovation management in emerging markets, and migration/diaspora studies. They serve as a critical bridge between European research networks and the Maghreb, contributing local knowledge on security, cultural dynamics, and socioeconomic challenges in North Africa and the broader Mediterranean basin.
MENARA mapped regional geopolitical shifts across the Middle East and North Africa; PREVEX addressed violent extremism prevention in MENA; ITHACA examines migrant narratives across Europe and the Mediterranean.
DiasporaLink, K.I.T.F.E.M., and EM4FIT all focus on entrepreneurial capacity, knowledge transfer, and talent development in and from emerging economies.
DiasporaLink studied diaspora entrepreneurship; MENARA addressed refugees and regional displacement; ITHACA builds digital archives of migrant histories and agency.
ABC 21 focuses on Africa-Europe bioclimatic buildings for the 21st century, representing a new direction toward sustainable construction.
In their early H2020 participation (2015–2019), AUI focused on diaspora economics, international trade, and broad geopolitical mapping of the MENA region — projects like DiasporaLink, MENARA, and K.I.T.F.E.M. reflected an emphasis on understanding regional dynamics and knowledge flows. From 2020 onward, the focus shifted toward applied societal challenges: preventing violent extremism (PREVEX), digital migration archives (ITHACA), and sustainable construction (ABC 21), while maintaining their entrepreneurship thread through EM4FIT. The evolution shows a move from descriptive regional studies toward action-oriented research addressing security, resilience, and sustainability.
AUI is moving toward applied research on societal resilience — extremism prevention, climate-adapted construction, and migration policy — making them increasingly relevant for security and sustainability consortia targeting the Mediterranean and Africa.
AUI exclusively participates as a partner or third party — they have never coordinated an H2020 project, which is typical for non-EU institutions contributing regional expertise. Despite their modest project count, they have collaborated with 94 unique partners across 44 countries, indicating they join large, diverse consortia rather than small focused teams. This broad network suggests they are valued as a reliable regional knowledge contributor who integrates well into complex multinational projects.
With 94 unique consortium partners across 44 countries, AUI has a remarkably wide network for a non-EU institution with only 7 projects. Their reach spans Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa, and the Middle East, reflecting their role as a connector between these regions.
AUI is one of very few Moroccan universities active in H2020, and its English-language instruction and American-style curriculum make it an unusually accessible partner for European consortia working on North Africa and the Middle East. They offer genuine on-the-ground MENA expertise — not theoretical, but rooted in a country that sits at the crossroads of Africa, the Arab world, and Europe. For any consortium needing a credible North African partner with experience in security, migration, entrepreneurship, or climate adaptation, AUI is a proven and well-connected choice.
