Territorial intelligence as a strategic driver of regional competitiveness and entrepreneurial ecosystems: Empirical evidence from Morocco

Territorial intelligence (TI) has emerged as a strategic framework for enhancing regional competitiveness and supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems through knowledge management, collaboration, and data-driven governance. In Morocco, where regional disparities remain significant, the integration of TI mechanisms into territorial development policies is still limited, making it crucial to examine how TI contributes to regional performance and economic resilience. This study investigates the role of TI as a multidimensional driver of competitiveness, value-chain integration, and regional attractiveness within the Béni Mellal-Khénifra region. Using a quantitative methodology based on a structured questionnaire administered to 212 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the research applies exploratory factor analysis and reliability testing to validate measurement scales related to competitiveness, resilience, and economic performance. Results indicate strong internal consistency across all constructs (α > 0.84) and confirm that TI significantly enhances regional performance by reinforcing inter-organizational coordination, technological adaptation, and digital accessibility. Findings also reveal that competitiveness acts as a mediating factor linking TI dimensions—strategic monitoring, digital capability, and resource sharing—to measurable economic outcomes such as productivity growth, employment creation, and firm profitability. The study concludes that TI provides an operational framework for strengthening territorial governance and fostering innovation within local entrepreneurial ecosystems. By aligning public policies, business networks, and technological infrastructures, TI can serve as a key strategic lever for sustainable regional development in Morocco. These results contribute to the empirical literature on territorial intelligence and offer practical insights for policymakers and regional development agencies aiming to bridge the gap between local knowledge systems and economic performance.