Spatial Imaginaries and Tech Cities: Place-branding East London's digital economy. (8th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nathan, Max; Vandore, Emma; Voss, Georgina
• Is Part Of: Journal of economic geography. Volume 19:Number 2(2019)
• Page Start: 409
• Page End: 432
• Publication Date: 2018-05-08
• Subjects: Clusters -- place branding -- entrepreneurship -- ICT -- Tech City -- local economic development; O38 -- R3 -- R38; Economic geography -- Periodicals; 330.9
• DOI: 10.1093/jeg/lby018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1468-2702

Abstract

Abstract: We explore place branding as an economic development strategy for technology clusters, using London's 'Tech City' initiative as a case study. We site place branding in a larger family of policies that develop spatial imaginaries and specify affordances and constraints on place brands and brand-led strategies. Using mixed methods over a long timeframe, we analyse Tech City's emergence and the overlapping, competing narratives that preceded and succeeded it, highlighting day-to-day challenges and more basic tensions. While a strong brand has developed, we cast doubt on claims that policy has had a catalytic effect, at least in the ways originally intended.