In economic and management theories, innovation is often seen as a source of growth. From an innovation analysis perspective, from the point of view of the national innovation systems (NIS), this article attempts to explain the reasons for the weakness and fragmentation of NIS in the Maghreb countries. The analysis shows a structural weakness combined with a weakness in the institutional coordination and a lack of effectiveness of the actions of the public authorities. On the basis of a review of the in-depth literature on national innovation systems and particularly that of the Maghreb countries, the aim is to propose a conceptual framework based on appropriate lines of action: structural, coordination and governance, to ensure overall coherence of actions and to achieve effective effectiveness of innovation systems in these countries.JEL Codes: L52, O30, I23