Entrepreneurial Dynamic of Moroccan SMEs: Results of an Empirical study

Abstract

In an environment characterized by rapid technological change and increasing national and international competition, SMEs must strengthen their entrepreneurial dynamic (ED) to ensure survival and growth. According to Miller (1983), an entrepreneurial firm is one that “engages in product-market innovation, undertakes somewhat risky projects, and is the first to introduce proactive innovations, outpacing competitors” (Chabaud et al., 2008, p. 6). The main objective of this article is to assess the ED of Moroccan SMEs based on three criteria: innovation capacity, risk-taking, and proactivity. To this end, a survey was conducted among 115 Moroccan SMEs. The results of a descriptive analysis, based on the calculation of indicator averages, reveal an overall low level of ED. Specifically, 37% of SMEs show a very low level, 31% an average level, 23% a moderately high level, while only 8% reach a very high level. More precisely, only 9% of SMEs demonstrate strong innovation and proactivity, while nearly half display a very low level. Regarding risk-taking, 7% achieve a high level, compared to 57% distributed between medium and very low levels. These findings highlight the need to strengthen the ED of Moroccan SMEs, particularly in terms of innovation, proactivity, and risk-taking. Finally, the study acknowledges its limitations, notably the small sample size, which prevents broad generalization. Future research could explore managerial levers and tools likely to enhance this dynamic within Moroccan SMEs.

Classification JEL : I29, O30.

Paper type: Empirical Research