“Spirit of the Danube” Socio-spatial characteristics, cultural heritage, identity and future-conscious territorial development along the Danube

Purpose The River Danube is a “genius loci”: the small and medium-sized settlements (SMS) along the Danube have socio-spatial characteristics and a rich natural and socio-cultural capital that are unique in the world. Despite this richness, it may still be perceived as an unexploited regional resource and part of the socio-cultural capital of Central-Eastern Europe that is “waiting for” exploration, as well as a basis for future-conscious territorial development and identity building. Design/methodology/approach The authors used various forms of empirical (documentary, data and survey) research, as well as participatory and gamified territorial development and branding methods, in collaboration with other project partners. These were later applied within cultural mapping exercises, branding, and board game innovation, etc. Findings This paper presents some theoretical and empirical research findings from two EU Interreg projects entitled “DANUrB” (Danube Urban Brand, 2017–19; and DANUrB+ 2020–22), in which the authors participated as chief researchers and members of the lead partner's (BME) management board. However, only the results of the projects in which the authors directly and actively participated are introduced here in more detail. Originality/value The socio-spatial exploration of the Danube region resulted in outputs in a printed format (the DANUrB “Book” and “D + Atlas”) and in a virtual “cultural mapping” format (the DANUrB “Platform”) – this is later presented in more detail. Using participatory territorial development methods and gamification, we designed a DANUrB brand, developed a future-conscious “DANUrB Authentic Quality Label,” and innovated “DANUrbanity board games” by involving younger generations in exploring and developing their own localities.