Nation branding aims to measure, build and manage the reputation of countries (closely related to place branding). Some approaches applied, such as an increasing importance on the symbolic value of products, have led countries to emphasise their distinctive characteristics. The branding and image of a nation-state "and the successful transference of this image to its exports - is just as important as what they actually produce and sell."[1] This is also referred to as country-of-origin effect. Nation branding is still a developing field in which scholars continue their search for a unified theoretical framework. Many governments have resource dedicated to Nation Branding. Their aim is to improve their country's standing, as the image and reputation of a nation can dramatically influence its success in attracting tourism receipts and investment capital; in exports; in attracting a talented and creative workforce and in its cultural and political influence in the world. Simon Anholt is widely considered to be the "founder",[2] "champion"[3] and "instigator"[4] of this concept and field of study and practice.
Nation branding in practice [edit]
Nation branding appears to be practised by many states, including Canada, the United States, France, United Kingdom (where it is officially referred to as public diplomacy), Japan, China, South Korea, Singapore, South Africa, New Zealand, Israel and most Western European countries. An early example of this was the Cool Britannia approach of the early days of the New Labour government (following the Britain (TM) pamphlet by Demos's Mark Leonard), though this has since been replaced by a more credible Public Diplomacy Board. There is increasing interest in the concept from poorer states on the grounds that an enhanced image might create more favorable conditions for foreign direct investment, tourism, trade and even political relations with other states. Developing nations such as Tanzania and Colombia are creating smaller nation branding programs aimed at increased overall image and with the case of Colombia, changing international perception.
Nation branding in academia [edit]
Nation Branding can be approached in academics as a field in social sciences, political sciences, humanities, communication, marketing and international relations. Scholars such as Evan H. Potter at the University of Ottawa have conceptualized nation brands as a form of national soft power. All efforts by government (at any level) to support the nation brand - either directly or indirectly - becomes public diplomacy.
Anti-globalisation proponents often claim that globalisation diminishes and threatens local diversity, but there is evidence that in order to compete against the backdrop of global cultural homogeneity, nations strive to accentuate and promote local distinctiveness as a competitive advantage.[5]
Nations Brands Index [edit]
The concept of measuring global perceptions of countries across several dimensions (culture, governance, people, exports, tourism, investment and immigration) was developed by Simon Anholt. His original survey, the Anholt Nations Brands Index, was launched in 2005 and fielded four times a year.
References [edit]
Further reading [edit]
- Chan, Rachel (20 April 2011) Review of Brand Singapore by Koh Buck Song at University of Southern California Center on public diplomacy at the Annenberg School.
- Townsend, Jake (August 8, 2011) "Branding Peace: Norway's Identity Put to the Test" Huffington Post.
- Olins, Wally (2002) "Branding the nation – the historical context", Journal of Brand Management 9(4-5).
- Fan, Y. (2006) "Nation branding: what is being branded?" Journal of Vacation Marketing 12(1): 5-14.
- Council on Foreign Relations (November 9, 2007) Backgrounder on Nation Branding.
- Entry on Nation Branding, Center for Media & Democracy's Sourcewatch
- Meike Eitel, Marie Spiekermann (2005) Nation Branding : San Marino developing into a brand
- Risen, Clay (March 13, 2005) article, Boston Globe.
- Weiner, Eric (January 11, 2006) Feature of National Public Radio's "Day to Day",
- Gubel, Peter (May 29, 2005) article in Time Magazine.
- Clay Risen (Dec 11, 2005) "Branding Nations", New York Times.
- Andrew Stevens (8 June 2011) "The Singapore brand offers a thoroughly modern city" City Mayors Foundation.
- Rendon, Jim (November 23, 2003) "When Nations Need a Little Marketing", New York Times.
- Anholt, Simon (2003) Brand New Justice: the upside of global branding, Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford.
- Johansson, Johny K. (2004) In Your Face: How American Marketing Fuels Anti-Americanism, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Financial Times/Prentice-Hall.
- Kotler, Philip; Jatusripitak, Somkid; Maesincee, Suvit (1997) The Marketing of Nations: A Strategic Approach To Building National Wealth, The Free Press, New York.
- Melerowicz, Mariana (2009) National Branding in Poland in: AICELS Law Review - Journal on Central European Law. No.1, Rincon: The American Institute for Central European Legal Studies (AICELS).
- Potter, Evan (2009) Branding Canada: Projecting Canada's Soft Power through Public Diplomacy Montreal/Kingston: McGill-Queen's University Press.
- True, Jacqui (2006) "Globalisation and Identity", in Raymond Miller (ed.) New Zealand Government and Politics, Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
External links [edit]
United States (69.09)
Germany (67.72)
United Kingdom (67.14)
France
Canada (65.90)
Japan
Italy (65.08)
Switzerland (64.61)
Australia
Sweden (63.49)
Spain
Russia
PR China
Brazil
Netherlands
Austria
New Zealand
Norway
Scotland
Denmark
Finland
Egypt
Chile
Belgium
