DOI - Mendel University Press

DOI identifiers

DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-082-5-0045

Geographical Indications and Nation Branding in the Visegrad Countries

Renata Èuhlová ORCID...1
1 Department of Business Management, Faculty of Economics and Administration, Masaryk University, Lipova 41a, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic

This paper explores the role of geographical indicators in nation branding and competitiveness within the Visegrad countries (Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia). Using data from the EUʹs official eAmbrosia register, the study conducts a comparative analysis of registered geographical indicators across three product categories: agri-food products, wines, and spirit drinks. The results reveal clear national patterns and also highlight temporal trends, with a registration peak following EU accession in 2004 and more continuous activity in recent years. The findings demonstrate how geographical indicators function as legal instruments of intellectual property but also as strategic resources for place-based development, tourism promotion, and nation branding. The paper concludes that, despite institutional and procedural challenges, these indicators hold significant potential for enhancing rural resilience, preserving traditional know-how, and reinforcing the international reputation of Visegrad countries.

Keywords: Geographical Indications, Nation Branding, Regional Competitiveness, Visegrad

pages: 45-52, online: 2026



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