Reflections, Conclusions and Prognoses

Abstract

In this final chapter the authors reflect on their experience of conducting research in Volgograd, so as to draw conclusions from the data they collected and their analysis of it and consider the possible future paths of development for Volgograd and its oblast. The first section of this chapter therefore focuses on the methodological and practical issues of carrying out research in the conditions of contemporary Russia and, more specifically, in the Russian province. This section is followed by the identification and discussion of some general trends (and dichotomies) which have emerged from the research. Finally, the authors explore a number of alternative scenarios for the development of companies and the local economy, even though they are fully aware of the shifting sands on which such an approach in the current economic state of Russia is based.