Navigating the tension between city branding and authenticity: a conceptual framework

Abstract

As cities around the world increasingly embrace branding as a means of promoting economic growth and attracting investment, there has been a growing tension between the desire to create a strong and recognizable city brand and the need to maintain a sense of authenticity and place identity. This paper presents a conceptual framework for understanding this tension and proposes strategies for navigating it in the context of city branding. Drawing on existing literature and case studies of successful and unsuccessful city branding campaigns, the framework highlights the importance of balancing the desire for a strong city brand with the need to preserve a sense of authenticity and place identity. The framework suggests that city branding campaigns should be designed with careful consideration of local history, culture, and values, and should engage a diverse range of stakeholders in the branding process. Ultimately, the paper argues that successful city branding campaigns must strike a delicate balance between the desire for a strong and recognizable brand and the need to maintain a sense of authenticity and place identity.

The Role of Vernacular and Culture in Place Branding: Insight from A Literature Survey

“…Efforts to blur the lived culture or culture that maintains 'authenticity' is a tension that is quite dominant among several researchers (Ulldemolins, 2014;Boland, 2013;Collins, 2020). However, among the tensions and anxieties that emerged in several studies analyzed, some also seek to loosen this tension (Kavaratizis and Ashworth, 2014Nursanty et al, 2023). Moving on to the next stage, we propose a proposition on the role of culture and place branding.…”

“…Furthermore, Kavaratzis and Ashworth (2015) use the term Ccultural Hijacking' to describe the tension between culture and place branding and propose a conceptual framework to mitigate the relationship. Nursanty et al (2023) propose a conceptual framework to address the tension between place branding and authenticity: focus on uniqueness and authenticity, Citizen and stakeholder engagement, Balance between the need for branding, and continuous evaluation and adjustment.…”

Enhancing city authenticity through humanitarian architecture: a synergy of design and identity, case study, Al-Diriyah, Saudi Arabia

“…This offers advice on how to negotiate this tension in the context of urban growth. It helps develop a better understanding of the complex relationship between city branding and authenticity by giving practical suggestions for developing effective city branding initiatives that interact with diverse audiences while preserving local culture and identity (Nursanty et al, 2023). Kavaratzis (2004) also stated that Cities, as implied by this remark, are complex and distinct settings that need a specialized approach.…”

“…According to Boyer (2011), one of the most essential key issues for both city identity and city branding is the city's image (Boyer, 2011). As cities throughout the globe embrace branding as a strategy for fostering economic growth and attracting investment, a rising conflict has emerged between the need to build a strong and recognizable city brand and the need to retain a sense of authenticity and place identity (Nursanty et al, 2023). In many cases, critical issues arise when cities all over the world attempt to differentiate themselves to attract more business and money.…”