The Economies of Identities: Recognising the Economic Value of the Characteristics of Territories

Abstract

The economic relevance of the characteristics of territories have been addressed by many approaches across different disciplines. While some consider them an important source for the reputation of territories, others rely on the fact that in a global mass market the territorial embeddedness of goods and services increase their market value through the assertion of their uniqueness and authenticity. In this article we propose the integration of these different interpretations on a common framework to better understand the underlying mechanisms and processes associated with the economic consequences of those characteristics that make territories unique and form their identity. We conduct a literature review to identify basic definitions, existing methodologies and core features of the most relevant studies on the topic to provide a broad conceptual framework for the analysis and economic promotion of the identities of territories. Additionally, two illustrative case studies are presented, covering successful strategies where identities have been put in the centre of an economic development strategy: the Way of Saint James (Galicia, Spain) and the Douro Valley (Portugal). Through the lens of the reviewed concepts, both strategies are assessed. Building on a broad repertoire of research approaches and disciplines, we conclude by outlining a new research agenda on the economies of identities and stressing the potentialities and limitations of mobilising the identities of territories as a resource for economic development.

Brand-driven identity development of places: application, evaluation and improvement suggestions of the BIDP-framework

“…The first phase of the model alone covers crucial aspects such High stakeholder involvement, consideration of place elements and involvement of business partners and of tourists' support. Special care should be observed with residents' involvement tactics (Antonios et al, 2020;Campelo et al, 2014;Colavitti and Usai, 2015;Crotts et al, 2022;Dominguez Garcia et al, 2013;François Lecompte et al, 2017;Gusman and Sandry, 2022;Insch and Walters, 2018;Jain et al, 2022;Komppula, 2014;Pasalar and Hallowell, 2019;Pikkemaat et al, 2018;Ryan et al, 2012;Tøttenborg et al, 2022)…”

“…The soundness of the BIDP-model is further demonstrated by the presence of a dedicated marketing committee, the adoption of strategic marketing plans, the support of research and the development of new products and experiences in the translation and materialization phases (Cox and Wray, 2011). Moreover, the BIDP-model meets the recent criteria set by Gusman and Sandry (2022), who argue that strategies based on territorial identity should be “built upon the combination of different methodological approaches such as the revision of historical and artistic material, the creation of panels with experts […], the implementation of participatory methodologies […], the analysis of the physical, social, economic, and cultural characteristics of territories” (Gusman and Sandry, 2022, p. 17).…”

“…Strong interactions in the process with multisensorial outputs (Gusman and Sandry, 2022;Källström and Siljeklint, 2021;Omholt, 2019;Rodrigues et al, 2020)…”

“…Place identity and place brand are two closely related concepts. Place identity can be used to enhance the reputation of a place and attract new economic activities, residents and visitors (Gusman and Sandry, 2022). Such identity represents the core characteristic of a particular place and is crucial for a strong and favorable place brand and its management (Ageeva and Foroudi, 2019; Campelo et al , 2014).…”