Social and solidarity economy as a vector of regional development : proposal of a model adapted to Béni Mellal – Khénifra region

Abstract

Given the diversity of needs and the advent of new trends, whether in terms of sectoral formulas or of development models, social and solidarity economy (SSE) plays nowadays a strategic role regarding the viability and servicing of territories. Since Moroccan regions are distinguished from each other’s by their geographical dimensions, socio-economic characteristics, natural, and human resources, discussing a single model of SSE, or even blindly implementing it within these regions, does not constitute a solution to promote local and regional development. For this reason, it is necessary to establish tailor-made models by integrating the different distinctive variables and dimensions of these regions, on one hand, and the economic paradigms underlying the SSE, on the other hand. Nevertheless, taking into account the twelve regions of the kingdom is not an easy task. Bearing this in mind, numerous reasons made us choose BENI MELLAL – KHENIFRA region as the context of our study, namely: cultural, social, economic, and geographical attributes among others. The objective is to shape a model based on the analysis of studies, which highlight the correlations and articulations between SSE and regional development. Through this work, a conceptual model with a practical-theoretical variant is created. Based on this model, it is recommended that the SSE sector can play the role of a vector of regional development. For this, it is mandatory to establish correlations between numerous variables and factors that enable SSE ventures to sustain a dual mission of creating social change and transforming economic reality (through the profitability and sustainability of innovative and efficient socio-economic business models).