Simon Anholt is an independent policy advisor, author and researcher. He specialises in national identity and reputation, public diplomacy and the public perceptions of nations, cities and regions. Anholt developed the concepts of the 'nation brand' and 'place brand' in the late 1990s, and today plays a leading role in this rapidly expanding field.

Nation "Branding" Explained

Although the word 'brand' is used a lot in this context, Simon Anholt's work has nothing to do with marketing, advertising or public relations. More >

Public Speaking

Simon Anholt gives keynotes, seminars and workshops on many topics related to Competitive Identity; the images, reputations and identities of places; language, culture, trade, economic development and public diplomacy. More >

Masterclasses

The Commissioned Masterclass was created to help governments understand how to measure and manage the image of their country, city or region. How does it work? Who should be involved? How long does it take? What does it cost?  More >
Simon Anholt awarded 2009 Nobels Colloquia Prize for Economics
Simon Anholt

Simon Anholt awarded 2009 Nobels Colloquia Prize for Economics

Trieste, December 3rd 2009. The tenth annual Nobels Colloquia Prize for Leadership in Economics and Management was awarded to Simon Anholt "...for his pioneering work on understanding and managing the identity and image of nations, cities and regions; and the impact of reputation on their prosperity and competitiveness." The award is made by a committee of ten Nobel Laureates in Economics. Past events have included the Laureates Maurke Allais, Milton Friedman, Lawrance Klein, James J. Heckman, Daniel McFadden, Robert Merton, James Mirrlees, Franco Modigliani, Robert Mundell, Myron Scholes, Robert Solow, Joseph Stiglitz, Robert Fogel, Reinhard Selten, John Nash, Michael Spence, Betty Williams, Gary Becker, Edward Prescott and Amartya Sen.  More >

NEW FEATURE - Find out what people really think about other countries and cities

How do Americans rank the nightlife in Jeddah? What do the French really think about British culture? How highly do the Chinese rank Japanese technology? How much would a Canadian like to study in Egypt (and vice versa?) Find out with this fun interactive tool based on the Anholt-GfK Roper Nation Brands Index. More >
Gateway Ireland - a new way to manage a nation's standing
Gabriel Byrne, Ireland"s new Cultural Ambassador, with Simon Anholt at the Gateway Ireland launch in Dublin.

Gateway Ireland - a new way to manage a nation's standing

Simon Anholt gave the keynote speech at the launch of Gateway Ireland in Dublin on May 26. This project, headed by 'Riverdance' founder John McColgan, will provide a hub for Irish people to connect with each other, the Irish diaspora, and with the world.  More >

The Double-Edged Blade of Aid

A new essay by Simon Anholt asks whether traditional development assistance does as much harm as good, by deliberately degrading the international standing of the countries it helps.  More >
Simon Anholt's latest book
Simon Anholt's latest book
"Way beyond branding" - a wealth of new insights about how countries, regions and cities can truly begin to understand, measure and manage their reputations. Published by Palgrave Macmillan. More >
ETC-UNWTO Handbook on Destination Branding Published
ETC-UNWTO Handbook on Destination Branding Published
This important new manual features an introductory essay by Simon Anholt. More >