Wiederbelebung der Ortsgemeinschaft in einer kleinen Industriestadt in Südosteuropa: Fallstudie Fieni, Rumänien

Abstract

Under communist rule, the development of many small and medium-sized industrial towns in Southeast Europe saw manufacturing industry become the engine of the local economy. The resulting deindustrialisation of the 1990s severely affected them. This study explores community perceptions within Fieni – formerly the most industrialised Romanian town – about its present development conditions and prospects. It also seeks people’s opinions to inform future planning through a participatory governance process. To analyse the inhabitants’ insights on the impact of deindustrialisation on their community, 69 street interviews were conducted with randomly selected people. The results highlight both a sense of nostalgia and pride for the town’s industrial past, and a deep dissatisfaction with its current socio-economic situation. However, younger respondents tended to hold optimistic hopes of discovering and developing new local economic niches. Additionally, there are conflicting perceptions between the general population and the decision makers on the planning of the town’s future, suggesting the need for more intense and cooperative development approach.