Economic specialisation and complementarity dynamics in polycentric urban regions: A case study of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, Morocco

Polycentric urban regions worldwide face the challenge of fully harnessing the potential of their cities. Lack of complementarity among cities in these regions can lead to competition, duplicated efforts, and missed opportunities for coordinated and sustainable development. This study examines economic complementarity in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra (RSK) region, Morocco, by analyzing the economic specialisation of its urban centres in relation to the industrial sector. Using correspondence analysis, changes in complementarity between 2013 and 2018 were assessed, revealing a 52.94 ​% increase in the complementarity ratio and a trend toward economic specialisation in four of the seven studied urban centres. Further analysis of economic sectors, based on changes in the coefficient of variance of location quotient values, showed that three out of five sectors experienced increased variance over the study period. This suggests a shift toward economic specialisation and, consequently, greater complementarity, aligning with correspondence analysis findings. However, the comparison between industrial growth and regional development planning goals revealed a misalignment, as only three out of nine industrial growth objectives were met. Further investigation is needed to better understand this disconnect. This study highlights the need for a balanced spatial strategy that aligns regional diversification with local specialisation. It also offers valuable insights for policymakers to foster mutual benefits among RSK centres, identify target industries for growth, maximize economic externalities, and foster overall regional development.