مجلة البشائر الاقتصادية

Industrial Location And Competitiveness Trajectories In The Agri-food Sector Of Northwestern Territory Of Algeria: A Longitudinal Analysis (2015-2025)

Auteurs : Dali Fatiha . Mihoub-ait Habouche Ouahiba .

Résumé

Abstract: This paper examines, through a mixed longitudinal design covering 2015–2025, how the relationships between location, firm strategies and competitiveness evolved among agri-food firms in Algeria’s north-western territory, and whether territorial agglomeration translates into active collective efficiency. A questionnaire survey of 61 firms (T1, 2015–2017), processed with Sphinx, was followed by a qualitative multiple case study of 9 firms (T2, 2024–2025), based on semi-structured interviews and content analysis. Results confirm territorial proximity advantages throughout the decade and persistently weak inter-firm cooperation, calling for institutional coordination. Quality certification became an emerging territorial standard: endogenous certification, driven by managerial autonomy, accompanies tangible competitive gains, whereas exogenous, publicly supported certification produces more formal effects. Modest but qualitatively significant exports emerge, led by firms combining managerial autonomy, endogenous certification and African-oriented quality/price positioning. The paper proposes territorial upgrading, managerial autonomy as a moderating factor, and the endogenous/exogenous certification distinction as theoretical contributions.

Mots clés

agri-food firms, ; competitiveness ; location ; Northwestern territory of Algeria ; proximity ; territorial upgrading ; trajectories