ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the conclusions of the research, relates them to the concepts constituting the theoretical framework of this study and relevant literature on Fair Trade, and sets out desirable directions for further research. The first section presents the conceptualization of the notion of a Dispersed Hybrid Market (DHM) that reflects the specifics of the Fair Trade market. This concept creates space for an analysis of the roots and consequences of the basic characteristics of this type of market, the causes and mechanisms of its spillover effects, and provides a starting point for further research into its development dynamics and importance in the transition towards a sustainable market economy. The second section is predictive in nature and outlines three scenarios constituting possible alternative paths for the future development of the Fair Trade initiative. The last section is normative in nature. It draws conclusions about the prerequisites for the increasing “taking over” of responsibility for social challenges by market participants, i.e. the realization of the most favourable scenario from the point of view of the need to increase the effectiveness of sustainable development efforts.
