Casablanca innovation hub pioneers collaborative territorial development

A groundbreaking partnership between Casablanca-Settat’s Cité des Métiers et des Compétences (CMC-CS) and Territorial Empowerment and Development (OTED) launched the Nouaceur Territorial Innovation Lab (NOTIL),introducing a revolutionary approach to regional development through collective intelligence and collaborative innovation.

The initiative represents Morocco’s first open innovation model designed specifically for sustainable territorial impact,operating on four fundamental principles: collective intelligence for stakeholder mobilization,active co-construction with local actors,innovation through field-tested solutions,and sustainable development rooted in community realities.

NOTIL promises substantial benefits across multiple stakeholder groups. Local businesses gain access to innovative solutions and enhanced competitiveness,while CMC-CS trainees develop technical and cross-functional skills through real-world project immersion,significantly boosting their employability prospects. Communities benefit from improved quality of life and increased citizen participation in local decision-making processes.

The laboratory brings together diverse participants including businesses,local authorities,associations,cooperatives,and educational institutions to address economic,social,and environmental challenges. This collaborative ecosystem leverages CMC-CS’s extensive infrastructure,featuring an incubator,digital factory,FabLab,co-working spaces,and professional guidance center.

CMC-CS’s “Learning by Doing” pedagogical approach positions the institution beyond traditional vocational training,establishing it as an innovation hub for skills transformation serving territorial development. The organization specializes in facilitating innovative project emergence through dedicated support systems and co-construction tools.

OTED contributes its expertise as a citizen-driven territorial innovation catalyst,enhancing the partnership’s capacity to drive meaningful change. The initiative calls for broad citizen and entrepreneurial engagement,inviting companies,and experts to participate in co-construction workshops and contribute to developing locally-tailored solutions that address specific regional challenges while aligning with national development objectives.