The Label of a City as an Element of the Knowledge Economy: The Case of the “City of Science”, Darmstadt

Abstract

Many cities all around the world have an offcial label of or call themselves “City of Science”. Marketing studies have shown the influence of this label on the level of attractiveness of this territory for national and international investors. However, these studies do not explain the reasons for the desire to acquire such a label if the city has the opportunity to qualify for a label associated with the tourism industry. The article considers a city’s image as a construction created in the conditions of competition between cities in the financial market and shows what resources are used by urban marketing to create an image of an ideal place for scientifc activity. In this article, we look into the example of the German “City of Science” — Darmstadt. The study is based on a series of semi-structured interviews with experts in urban history and city development: representatives of scientifc organizations, local politicians, urban activists and supervisors involved in the adaptation of students. Furthermore, a qualitative analysis of the contents of booklets and brochures which describe the city and are produced by the local administration was used. Based on this material, Darmstadt’s representations as a “City of Science” in marketing publications and Darmstadt’s citizens´ daily perception are analyzed. The result of the study was a statement of the unequal representation of Darmstadt’s image for an external consumer, based on the “City of Science” label, and the material space and Darmstadt’s perception by its inhabitants, for whom social interaction on a district and scientifc organization level is the decisive factor for labelling the city.