The Moroccan book market: Éditions de la MSH engaged in international publishing dynamics

This interprofessional mission aimed to strengthen exchanges between French and Moroccan stakeholders in the book sector, particularly in terms of rights circulation. Represented by Thomas Coppey-Chikh, Éditions de la MSH contributed to the study on the specific features of a market that is both constrained and agile, characterised by strong linguistic diversity and the growth of the educational and independent publishing sectors.

For the FMSH, this participation forms part of a long-term international strategy: supporting the transnational circulation of knowledge in the humanities and social sciences, structuring rights exchanges, and developing professional networks beyond the French-speaking world.

Translation and the circulation of knowledge: a structuring commitment for over 40 years

The internationalisation of the humanities and social sciences has been a core priority of the FMSH since its inception. As early as the 1980s, under the leadership of its administrator Clemens Heller, the FMSH developed an ambitious programme aimed at fostering intellectual exchange between French- and German-speaking researchers. The 'Bibliothèque allemande' series, which emerged from this initiative, now includes more than 80 titles and remains a key instrument for disseminating research from the German-speaking world to French-speaking audiences.

This policy was further expanded in 2021 with the launch of collections dedicated to cultural regions. Afrique(s), Amérique(s) and Asie(s) each include a component devoted to the republication and translation into French of major works produced in these regions.

Towards a stronger presence in international publishing networks

By taking part in the 'Perspectives' programme and its follow-up (round table and sectoral study), Éditions de la MSH are continuing to strengthen their presence within international professional publishing networks.

The focus on the Moroccan market forms part of a broader reflection on editorial exchanges between French- and Arabic-speaking contexts, as well as on access to scholarly works in Global South markets. In this respect, pricing, rights agreements and translation are key levers.

Through this participation, Éditions de la MSH reaffirm their commitment to translation in the humanities and social sciences, both from and into Arabic, and more broadly to the international circulation of knowledge.