Synthesis Research: A Meta-Study Approach to Urban and Regional Sustainability Knowledge

Synthesis research provides a structured overview of the current state of knowledge on a given topic and serves to identify gaps, limitations, and opportunities for further investigation. In the context of the SURE Facilitation and Synthesis Research Project, this work consolidates conceptual, methodological, and empirical insights drawn from academic literature and the ten transdisciplinary projects within the SURE funding programme. Through cross-project integration, the research identifies thematic patterns and relationships that extend beyond the scope of individual studies. The synthesis architecture developed for the project offers a comprehensive foundation for understanding sustainable urban development in diverse contexts. By mapping existing knowledge and highlighting research voids, it informs future scholarly inquiry and supports evidence-based policy design. Moreover, the framework fosters innovations—conceptual, theoretical, methodological, and translational—that transcend disciplinary boundaries and contribute to practical knowledge integration. This work aims to advance the field of sustainability science by enabling transferable knowledge creation and providing strategic guidance for research and decision-making. With continued development, the SURE Facilitation and Synthesis Research Project is positioned to influence urban sustainability policies and support transformative action across stakeholder communities.