The intellectual potential of a city as a factor of positive population identity: the case of Orenburg

The article explores the role of a city's intellectual potential as a key factor in shaping the positive identity of its residents, using Orenburg as a case study. The authors analyze the activities of educational, cultural, and scientific institutions, as well as private initiatives aimed at engaging citizens in the sociocultural space of the city. Special attention is paid to the influence of institutions such as universities, museums, theaters, media, and the internet on the consolidation of the urban community. The study emphasizes that intellectual potential not only contributes to the development of the urban environment but also helps form a unique city image, ultimately strengthening residents' identity. Based on the research, the authors identify key tasks for the city's further development, including increasing public engagement and reducing the outflow of intellectual capital.

Keywords: city; identity; urban identity; intellectual potential; institutions of the city; Orenburg