COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE AS A LEVER OF INNOVATION: STRATEGIC ANTICIPATION AND ADAPTATION OF SMEs

In the face of environmental turbulence, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must strengthen their innovation capabilities to remain competitive. This article examines the mediating role of competitive intelligence (CI) in the relationship between environmental turbulence and innovation performance. Drawing on a theoretical framework that integrates contingency theory, organizational learning, and dynamic capabilities, a conceptual model is tested among Moroccan SMEs using the PLS-SEM method. The findings highlight the strategic importance of CI supported by absorptive capacity and search intensity as a key driver of innovation. Keywords: Competitive intelligence; SMEs; innovation; environmental turbulence; absorptive capacity; strategic search; PLS-SEM.