Berlin City Performance, Brand Image and Reputation

Ever since the unification, Berlin has been a mecca of the alternative art world, offering a great variety of scenarios and opportunities for the creatives. Apart from that, it is also the capital of Germany, Europe’s largest country by the size of the population, and as such a political heavy-weight. How do these characteristics influence Berlin’s performance in the different indices that rank cities according to their economic, social and environmental characteristics?

Let’s take a closer look at:

• Berlin’s competitiveness and financial performance
• Livability: Berlin’s appeal for digital nomads and locals
• Berlin’s brand strength and global attractiveness

Let’s explore deeper how Berlin positions itself on the world stage, drawing insights from data provided by TPBO partners and other reputable institutions.

Berlin’s competitiveness and financial performance

How attractive is Berlin as a place to work and do business? 

The Global Financial Centres Index 34 ranks Berlin 23^rd, jumping three positions from the previous ranking. It is currently sitting between Sydney (22^nd) and Miami (24^th). It performs very well in the Fintech (14^th) and Finance (15^th) industry sectors. Berlin holds the 8^th place in the Western European region, sitting in between Amsterdam and Dublin.

According to 2thinknow’s Innovation Cities Index 2022-2023 Berlin ranks 11^th, an impressive jump of 20 positions from the previous ranking. The city now sits in between Houston (10^th) and Chicago (12^th).

Berlin’s brand strength and global attractiveness

Which subfactors hurt and help the brand of Berlin? 

Resonance’s 2023 World’s Best Cities Report ranks Berlin 14^th, scoring the following in the Place Power highlights: 5^th in Museums, and 6^th in Nightlife. It currently sits in between Madrid (13^th) and Los Angeles (15^th).

Kearney’s 2023 Global Cities Report ranks Berlin 16^th, falling two positions compared to last years’ publication. Berlin still ranks in the top 25 for the Global Cities Outlook, positioning 21^st but experienced a drop of 9 positions since the previous ranking.

The comprehensive ranking of the Global Power City Index ranks Berlin 10^th. In terms of function-specific rankings, the city ranks 29^th in terms of Economy, 17^th in R&D, 10th in Cultural Interaction, 6^th in Livability, 9^th in Environment, and 23^rd in Accessibility. Admirably, Berlin ranks 2^nd in Urban Greenery and 8^th for Nightlife Options. Lastly, Berlin positioned 10^th in the Highly-skilled Workers, 27^th in the Corporate executive, 7^th in the Resident, and 11^th in the Tourism categories.

According to Brand Finance’s City Index 2023, Berlin ranks 18^th in the global ranking with a score of 71.8/100, sitting in between Zurich (17^th) and Milan (19^th).

Livability: Berlin’s appeal for digital nomads and locals

Which aspects of Berlin’s urban living make it an attractive place to live, work and study?

The Mercer Quality of Living City Ranking places Berlin 18^th, tying with Ottawa. The Mercer Cost of Living Ranking ranks Berlin 37^th behind Paris (35^th) and Guangzhou (36^th). The cost living survey reports that factors such as currency fluctuations, cost inflation for goods and services, and instability of accommodation prices are key to determine the cost of expat packages for employees on international assignment.

According to the Best Urban Cities for Digital Nomads ranking by Spot a Home,Berlin ranks 21^st out of 56 global cities. It currently sits between Melbourne (20^th) and Vienna (22^nd).

The Arcadis Sustainability City Index 2022 ranks Berlin 5^th overall, sitting in between Copenhagen (4^th) and London (6^th). Berlin’s pillar rankings are the following: Planet 5^th, People 11^th, Profit 33^rd. The city ranks highest on Green spaces and environmental exposure; while Greenhouse gas emissions could be improved.

Lastly, Berlin is home to some of the best universities in the world. According to The Times Higher Education ranking, Humboldt University of Berlin ranks 87^th and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin 94^th. The QS World University ranking does not rank the aforementioned universities in the top 100, however it positions Freie Universitaet Berlin in 98^th.

Last updated in January 2024. More city profiles here.

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