Place brand building in Baku : Place branding

Abstract: Purpose    The aim of this study is to explore if there is a gap between brand identity and brand image in the city of Baku. Background Having a strong city brand based on the positive perceptions from both internal and external stakeholders’ point of view is very important in today’s world of globalization when cities have to constantly compete for the share of tourists, investors etc. Therefore, in terms of the thesis we aspire to investigate if Baku has been successful to build a strong brand identity and whether the brand image mirrors it from the Swedish people’s perception. Method The study constructed upon a mixed research method, which based simultaneously on inductive and deductive approach. Interviews representing the qualitative reasoning approach are utilized in order to reach the data related the city brand image and city brand identity. Conclusion The city has a firm and rationally established brand identity. The current research revealed the gap between brand image and brand identity in Baku. Thus, that the city’s brand image is not fully reflecting the real brand identity, in particular due to the internal facts.