Enhancing the competitiveness of enterprises via Economic Intelligence

Abstract

This article examines economic intelligence (EI) as a strategic lever for competitiveness in Moroccan companies, based on a cross-analysis of contributions from academic research and managerial practices. In an economic context marked by instability, rapid innovation, and increased competition, EI appears as an essential tool that enables organizations to better understand their environment, anticipate threats, and seize opportunities. The main objective of this study is to determine how the integration of EI into managerial practices can contribute to more informed decision-making and, consequently, to improved overall business performance. To this end, an analysis was conducted on two Moroccan companies with distinct profiles: OCP, a global leader in the phosphate sector, and Lafarge, a global leader in the construction materials sector in Morocco and the largest industrial market capitalization on the Casablanca Stock Exchange. This choice allows for a comparison of two different sectoral realities and an exploration of the specific characteristics of EI in varied contexts. The comparative approach adopted highlights the processes through which EI is used to monitor competition, anticipate market developments, and guide strategic choices. The conclusions drawn from this analysis indicate that companies with structured economic intelligence systems have a real competitive advantage, particularly in terms of responsiveness and innovation. However, the scope of the findings remains limited due to the small number of companies studied and the diversity of sectors, which calls for further research based on a larger sample.

Classification JEL: M21

Paper type: Theoretical Research