Constructing Territorial Image: Historical Practices and Modern Technologies

This article presents a comprehensive study of the territory’s image evolution as a strategic tool for socio-cultural regional development. It focuses on the transformation of approaches to forming the image of a place during the transition from an industrial to a post-industrial economy. The article examines key concepts of territorial development, such as C. Anholt’s competitive identity model and R. Florida’s creative class theory, as well as the successful implementation of Japan’s Cool Japan strategy. These theories are analyzed in relation to their practical application in different geographical and cultural settings. Part of the study also examines Russia’s expe-rience with creating a positive image for its territories, specifically the successful transformation of Sochi into a multifunctional international center from a monofunctional resort.