QUALITATIVE EXPLORATION OF INNOVATION AND INSTITUTIONAL PROXIMITY MANAGEMENT, TOWARDS THE REVITALISATION OF URBAN ECOSYSTEMS

In the context of a knowledge economy, innovation and coordination between actors are seen as determinants of economic development and the prosperity of territories. This paper explores the crucial role of innovation and institutional proximity management in the revitalization of urban ecosystems, with a particular focus on a case study of the Fez-Meknes bi-pole. The main aim of this contribution is to examine the urban challenges facing these two cities as complex and interdependent urban territories. Our approach is qualitative, employing a thematic analysis to explore the specific advantages offered by an integrated approach to innovation in the design of actors and the organization of the urban ecosystem. Through an exploratory literature review, we identified and categorized key themes that highlight both opportunities and challenges. The first part of the article contextualizes the issues related to innovation in urban territories, while the second part presents a detailed analysis of the opportunities and challenges specific to Fez-Meknes. The results of our investigation will contribute to identifying opportunities for innovation in urban management by examining examples of good practices likely to contribute to the revitalization of the Fez-Meknes bi-pole as an urban ecosystem. We also propose to raise awareness of innovative initiatives based on an institutional proximity management approach with an understanding of sustainable territorial dynamics and issues. This research offers valuable insights for urban actors and policy-makers seeking to foster sustainable urban development and strengthen competitiveness in other similar urban contexts, with particular emphasis on adapting local specificities to institutional dynamics.