IPM team meet with Brand Slovakia's Zuzana Mikulášová
We were pleased to welcome Zuzana Mikulášová to the Institute of Place Management and Manchester Metropolitan University on her recent visit to learn more about our work and connect with our team. Zuzana is currently undertaking a PhD and, after considering where to base her research, chose Manchester Metropolitan University - recognising our world-leading position in the field of place.
During her visit, Zuzana shared insights from her role as Executive Director of the Brand Slovakia 2.1 project, which is redefining Slovakia’s national brand identity 30 years after gaining independence. Since the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993, Slovakia has experienced a series of fundamental social, political, and economic changes. In this period of transformation, compounded by global challenges such as the pandemic, conversations around the country’s future vision, international reputation, and competitiveness are more important than ever.
Brand Slovakia is a multidisciplinary team with deep professional expertise across sectors. Their mission is to ask and address fundamental questions about Slovakia’s identity and image: What defines the country’s brand? What influences it? And how can Slovaks shape a future that reflects their values, aspirations, and pride?
Zuzana spoke powerfully about how national branding begins with pride and identity. Her commitment to this agenda, and the role of national 'place' branding and her vision for Slovakia’s future, left a strong impression on our team.
We look forward to continuing the conversation and exploring future collaboration as part of IPM’s global community. If any IPM members have plans to be in Slovakia, do let us know and we can connect you with Zuzana.
Learn more about Zuzana’s work:
https://www.brandslovensko.sk/zuzana-mikulasova/
About the author
Formed in 2006, the Institute of Place Management is the international professional body that supports people committed to developing, managing and making places better.