Author:
Bisani Shalini,Daye Marcella,Mortimer Kathleen
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to create a conceptual framework to demonstrate the role of universities as knowledge partners in place branding networks.
Design/methodology/approach
This research adopts a case study strategy to explore the perceptions of institutional and community stakeholders in Northamptonshire. The objective is to examine the regional activities and engagement of a single-player university in a peripheral region and explore its potential for widening stakeholder participation. Qualitative data was collected through interviews and focus groups and thematically analysed.
Findings
The university played a complementary “partnership” role to other institutional stakeholders, particularly the public sector. As a knowledge partner, the university filled gaps in information (know-what), skills (know-how) and networks (know-who). The last two aspects are potentially unique to the university’s role in place branding networks and require further development.
Research limitations/implications
The conceptual framework demonstrates the potential of a single-player university in a peripheral region to enhance the capabilities and skills of stakeholders in place branding networks and widen stakeholder participation. Future researchers can use the framework to develop recommendations for universities’ role in place branding based on their unique situation.
Originality/value
There has been limited research on how universities participate and influence participation in place branding. The exploration of this topic in the context of a rural, marginalised region is also novel.
Subject
Marketing,Strategy and Management,Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management,Urban Studies,Geography, Planning and Development,Business and International Management
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