Multidimensional Framework for Territorial Attractiveness: Crafting Synthetic Indicators for Small Towns in Morocco

This paper presents a comprehensive, multidimensional approach to evaluating the territorial attractiveness of small Moroccan towns, focusing on four critical dimensions: socio-demographic, economic, spatial dynamics, and quality of life. By leveraging synthetic indicators, the study offers an in-depth analysis of the strengths and weaknesses across various regions, culminating in a ranking derived from a global synthetic index, calculated using the geometric mean of the four examined dimensions.The findings uncover significant regional disparities, with Casablanca-Settat and Rabat-Salé-Kénitra emerging as the leading regions, underscoring their roles as key economic and administrative centers. In contrast, regions such as Béni Mellal-Khénifra and Drâa-Tafilalet demonstrate weaker performances, indicating the need for targeted interventions to enhance their overall attractiveness.A key contribution of this work is the introduction, for the first time in Morocco, of a methodological reference framework for measuring the territorial attractiveness of small towns. This innovative approach allows for a nuanced, multidimensional evaluation, offering policymakers a robust foundation to inform and refine their development strategies.Furthermore, the article underscores the importance of adopting tailored territorial development strategies that address local characteristics, aiming to reduce intra-regional disparities and unlock the potential of smaller towns. In conclusion, this study provides a crucial decision-making tool, offering insights that can guide territorial planning and foster balanced, sustainable development across Morocco's small towns.