In recent years, I have had the impression—particularly in  Morocco, where I live—that traditional knowledge societies are playing a less visible or influential role in scientific and innovation ecosystems. But is this truly a decline, or rather a transformation?

Several structural changes may explain this shift:

🔹 From formal societies to agile networks
Researchers are increasingly organizing themselves into flexible, project-driven networks rather than long-standing societies with rigid structures. These networks are often more responsive to funding calls, interdisciplinary challenges, and innovation needs.

🔹 Funding-driven collaboration models
International programs increasingly favor consortia built around specific calls and deliverables. This reduces the centrality of permanent scientific societies and promotes temporary but highly targeted collaborations.

🔹 Digital communities replacing institutional ones
Online platforms, open science initiatives, and informal research communities now play a major role in knowledge exchange—sometimes more than traditional associations.

🔹 Shift toward applied and impact-oriented research
There is growing emphasis on innovation, technology transfer, and socio-economic impact. This has led to the emergence of thematic networks focused on valorization and application rather than purely disciplinary knowledge exchange.

In this context, we have recently established the Moroccan Network for Research and Innovation in Bioresource Valorization (MARBIOVAL). Our objective is not to replace traditional knowledge societies, but to complement them by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, applied research, and stronger connections with industry.

Perhaps the real question is not whether knowledge societies are declining, but how they can adapt to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving scientific landscape.

I would be very interested to hear perspectives from colleagues in other countries: are you observing a similar evolution?