City Image. The influence of the Belt and Road Initiative on Duisburg

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2020-08-10
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en
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This master thesis is motivated by the main research question: To what extent does the global Belt and Road initiative (BRI) influence Duisburg’s image on the local level and how does Duisburg influence the process of image making in order to attract companies and investors. Theoretically, this thesis is based on image-making concepts, strategic spatial planning, vision making, framing and branding. The geopolitical setting is based on the city’s role in a global network, connectivity and gateway, to examine the city image. A case study of the BRI-‘ending’ in Duisburg was conducted by triangulating a quantitative and qualitative policy document analysis, quantitative and qualitative media content analysis and qualitative analysis of expert interviews. The results indicated that BRI’s influence on Duisburg’s image is based on increased attention, increased connectivity as well as economically and culturally intensified ties with China. Based on the triangulation of methods, a differentiation between the actual and the desired image of Duisburg and geographical differences regarding Duisburg’s perception and an increased association of Duisburg with logistics and China, were identified. Finally, it was concluded that BRI positively influences Duisburg’s image as a locational factor in order to attract companies and investors.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen
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