The structural transformation of territories and the climate governance of an urban area: The mediating role of human capital in adaptation processes

Abstract

This article forms a crucial part of an economic essay exploring the dynamics of territorial climate governance and its potential impact on the structural transformation of Agadir, a vibrant city. In this context, the role of human capital is also examined while considering the theoretical nuances and empirical analysis tools. The central question drives this study: "to what extent can territorial climate governance contribute to the structural transformation of Agadir, and how does human capital mediate this process?". To tackle this question, we adopted an abductive reasoning approach and aligned our methodology with a post-positivist paradigm. By meticulously aligning theory with observed reality, we formulated a hypothetical model that interconnects the trio of climate governance, structural transformation, and human capital in the context of Agadir. This model was put to the test with data collected from 416 stakeholders involved in the management of territorial affairs in the city. The findings reveal compelling evidence of significant contributions and correlations among the concepts studied. However, our results also highlight the necessity of recognizing and involving new actors to strengthen Agadir's climate governance mechanisms. In conclusion, our research sheds light on the crucial role of territorial climate governance and human capital in driving the structural transformation of Agadir. By providing a novel perspective on this topic, our study underscores the need for inclusive and proactive engagement of various stakeholders to bolster climate governance measures in the city, paving the way for sustainable development and growth.