Territorial Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and Digital Start-up Development: A Qualitative Study of Opportunities and Constraints in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Region

Abstract

Digital entrepreneurship has become a key driver of innovation and regional economic transformation, particularly in emerging territories where entrepreneurial ecosystems are still evolving. This study investigates how the territorial entrepreneurial ecosystem shapes the development of digital start-ups in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region. Adopting a qualitative case study approach, the research is based on semi-structured interviews conducted with ten actors of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including start-up founders, digital entrepreneurs, and institutional stakeholders. Thematic analysis was used to examine digital practices, innovation processes, territorial opportunities, and development constraints. The findings reveal that digital technologies enhance market access, foster business model innovation, and enable entrepreneurs to develop solutions tailored to local needs. Nevertheless, limited access to finance, insufficient digital skills, and infrastructural deficiencies remain major barriers. To address these challenges, start-ups implement adaptive and frugal innovation strategies that strengthen their resilience and sustainability. The study contributes to the literature by highlighting how territorial entrepreneurial ecosystems influence digital entrepreneurship and innovation dynamics in peripheral and emerging regions.