Dnipropetrovsk. Sound familiar? Its scientists were the innovators who launched the first satellite into space (Sputnik-1) and were front and centre of the secretive Soviet Space program.
So secretive in fact, no one was allowed to know of its existence. Dnipropetrovsk couldn’t be found on a map, a road sign, a rail line. Entrance was only allowed via security clearance. It really was an invisible city.
This was the challenge Building Strong Cities (BSC) faced when tasked with supporting economic development by putting Dnipropetrovsk, the fourth largest city in Ukraine, back on the map.
After Ukrainian independence, the space program and military industries were all dismantled. One million residents faced a major identity crisis. Where to from here?
It was time to be seen.
It was time to build a prosperous future for the citizens of Dnipropetrovsk.
With significant diplomacy and tact we gained the support of a government politically polarized after years of turmoil.
Through a series of Place Branding – Marketing Intensive Workshops, BSC spent 18 months doing:
- research
- analysis
- strategic planning
- capacity building.
Results? A community place brand and outreach program specifically designed to provide growth opportunities for citizens and investors alike.
In December 2013, Dnipropetrovsk City Council officially adopted the BSC place marketing program.
Since then, the Council has developed its own economic development program to support foreign investment attraction and promote the assets of their fascinating city to ensure a prosperous future for its citizens. The City of Dnipropetrovsk will continue to strive and survive long after the race to space.
