Economic Intelligence as a Driver of Organizational Performance and Competitive Advantage: Evidence from Moroccan Enterprises

Abstract

Economic intelligence has become a strategic capability for organizations operating in competitive and information-intensive environments. This article examines the contribution of economic intelligence to organizational performance and competitive advantage among Moroccan enterprises. Drawing on a quantitative survey of 260 enterprises operating in commerce, services, industry and agri-food sectors, the study analyzes how strategic monitoring, information sharing, knowledge management, digital tools, formal intelligence units and information integration are associated with performance-related outcomes. The findings show that 68.4% of surveyed enterprises consider economic intelligence well or very well aligned with organizational needs, while 68.5% perceive an important or very important contribution to competitive advantage. Moreover, 72.3% report a significant or very significant improvement in performance. Bivariate analyses confirm statistically significant associations between several economic intelligence practices and turnover, growth, profitability, innovation, responsiveness and competitiveness. The strongest relationships concern maturity of the intelligence system, knowledge management, information integration and training. The article concludes that economic intelligence should not be treated as a peripheral monitoring function, but as an integrated managerial system linking information acquisition, analysis, protection, dissemination and strategic action. Practical recommendations are proposed for Moroccan enterprises seeking to improve competitiveness through structured intelligence practices.