Call for tenders: Raising international awareness of the Nordic brand

08.09.16 | News
Det nordiske perspektiv
On 7 September 2016, the Nordic Council of Ministers opened a call for tenders, inviting larger agencies and consortiums to bid for the task of developing and activating the Nordic brand.

Together we are stronger

The Nordic countries share the values ​​of openness, trust, innovation, sustainability, and humanity. These are just some of the values that will now benefit from a raised profile as part of an ambitious initiative signalling that the Nordic countries are stronger together than on their own.

The Nordic Region has momentum. In an effort to capitalise on this, we’re launching a branding project which, with the support of the five Ministers for Nordic Co-operation, unites shared Nordic values, symbols, experiences, and associations so as to position the Nordic Region and differentiate it from the rest of the world.

 

 

 

New standards for “place branding”

The branding project will include social media communications and will serve as a platform for events and as an “open source” for businesses, organisations, and countries that are seeking to stage their global initiatives and activities in a Nordic context. In a similar vein, the project has a clear goal of setting “new standards for place-branding” as stated in the tender documentation.

Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers Dagfinn Høybråten explains the background of “The Nordics” tender by saying:

“The Nordic countries are known worldwide for their good movies, cuisine, art, nature, and unique social model. These have all captured the interest of the world, and gained its respect and admiration. Similarly, the Nordic countries command international rankings that compare security, happiness, and transparency. Altogether, this gives the Nordic Region momentum. In an effort to capitalise on this, we’re launching a branding project which, with the support of the five Ministers for Nordic Co-operation, unites shared Nordic values, symbols, experiences, and associations so as to position the Nordic Region and differentiate it from the rest of the world.”  

Agencies and consortia specialising in integrated and strategic communication and branding

This call for tenders is aimed at agencies and consortia specialising in integrated and strategic communication and branding and which are experts in design, digital solutions, media, advertising, and PR, among other things, as well as brand activation in conjunction with events. The agencies and consortia that prequalify and proceed in the bid process will need to demonstrate considerable insight into Nordic DNA, extensive international experience, and the ability to put resources and skills into play that go beyond traditional “place branding”.

The tender has a budget of up to DKK 4.5 million. Five agencies and consortia will prequalify and will receive DKK 75,000 for their continued participation in the tender process.

For the exact wording of the assignment, please see:

The process of designing the tender came about in co-operation with Design denmark, the initiator of the Nordic Brand Alliance – a public collaboration between Nordic design, communication, and advertising organisations.