The status of the scientific consensus on resilience: Convergence, divergence and diversification

This paper critically examines the state of scientific consensus in the multidisciplinary field of resilience, a topic that has attracted increasing attention across different domains due to increasing societal and environmental challenges. The diversity of definitions, perspectives, and approaches within the field has resulted in a complex landscape, challenging the achievement of a comprehensive consensus. The main question addressed in this work is whether the scientific community is converging towards or diverging from a resilience consensus. The study also seeks to understand the specific circumstances under which convergence or divergence may be considered beneficial or counterproductive. The findings of this analysis bear significant implications for the future of research and education within the domain of resilience. The authors’ primary observation suggests that achieving a well-thought-out balance between convergence and divergence can facilitate progress towards a wider consensus on resilience, ultimately fostering robust interdisciplinary collaborations and enhancing the practical utility of the concept. Furthermore, we propose pragmatic steps for promoting a shared understanding and a common framework in resilience research and practice.