What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to analyze the spatial functioning of local labor markets in Morocco despite limited commuting data availability.

February 28, 2026Open Access

Spatial Analysis and Functional Regionalization of the Local Labor Market in Morocco: A Spatially-Constrained Clustering and Econometric Approach

Key Points

The aim is to analyze the spatial functioning of local labor markets in Morocco despite limited commuting data availability.
Utilized an integrated three-stage framework for analysis.
Employed Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) for spatial diagnostics.
Applied spatially-constrained clustering (SKATER) for functional regionalization.
Conducted spatial econometric modeling (SDM) to assess regional effects.
Identified five functional configurations within local labor markets: Integrated Economic Poles, Administrative/Institutional Poles, Vulnerable Periphery, Diffuse Tertiarization areas, and Intermediate Human Capital Towns.
Found strong positive unemployment spillovers between regions.
Noted that industrial concentration positively affects neighboring areas, while human capital has paradoxical local effects.
Determined that institutional presence increases local unemployment but stabilizes surrounding regions.

Abstract

This study examines the spatial functioning of Morocco’s local labor markets in a context where detailed commuting flow data are unavailable. It characterizes spatial interdependencies, territorial heterogeneity, and functional configurations using fine-grained communal data. We adopt an integrated three-stage framework combining spatial diagnostics (LISA), spatially-constrained clustering (SKATER), and spatial econometric modeling (SDM). Results reveal five spatially contiguous functional configurations: Integrated Economic Poles, Administrative/Institutional Poles, a Vulnerable Periphery, and intermediate zones of Diffuse Tertiarization and Intermediate Human Capital Towns. Spatial econometric evidence confirms strong positive unemployment spillovers and complex transmission channels: industrial concentration shows positive regional spillovers, human capital exhibits a paradoxical positive local effect, and institutional presence increases local unemployment while stabilizing neighboring areas. The study provides a replicable framework for functional analysis in data-scarce contexts and argues for functionally-grounded, place-based employment policies.

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