Towards territorial leadership: missions and roles of territorial public organizations (TPO)

Abstract

This research, conducted from the point of view of management sciences, is based on a hybrid exploratory approach. In view of the experience of the territory of the Pays d’Aix in carrying out a territory project – the development and structuring of a local contemporary music sector – an integrative model of territorial leadership is proposed here. This is hinged around three dimensions (being at the service of the territorial stakeholders, being a local transformer, being a collaborative leader) that are interdependent, making it possible to question the roles and missions of public organizations in the implementation of territory projects. Points for practitioners The goal of this research is to question the capacity of a territorial authority to seize leadership in its territory of action. The theoretical construction carried out as well as its managerial implications are aimed at both local elected officials and territorial managers. Indirectly, they can also be of interest to the various territorial stakeholders who will see them as key elements for the understanding of territorial authorities. Territorial leadership is a process that is built around different, interdependent dimensions and is based on territory projects.