Connection, deviation, patterns, and trends: Visualizing the interplay of sustainability science and social–ecological system research

Over the years, sustainability science (SS) and social–ecological system (SES) research have emerged as critical domains within sustainability research, each addressing complex sustainability challenges respectively. However, their relationship dynamics and mutual contributions remained insufficiently understood, with limited data-driven analysis of their developmental trajectories. This study addressed this gap by systematically examining the relationship between SS and SES through the identification of developmental archetypes and research trajectories, thereby illuminating connections, deviations, patterns, and trends (promising directions for further research). Employing a mixed-method approach, this study categorized 70 intersectional labels into three archetypes: similarity, contrast, and insight. Using the archetypes as representative examples, the analysis revealed the convergences in extensive scope and thematic alignment, and divergences in terms of topic preferences, knowledge production approaches, and network structural patterns. These patterns exhibited complementarity between SS and SES, suggesting the synergistic potential of mutual engagements and reinforcements. Enhancing the research mode—leveraging the complementarity by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration while maintaining distinct boundaries—can guide the future development of two disciplines, advancing holistic sustainability research. These findings provide an empirical basis for understanding the evolution of both fields and suggest promising directions for advancing research and innovation in sustainability studies. • Novel mixed-methods approach integrates data metrics and visual analysis in sustainability research. • SS/SES exhibit conceptual synergies yet divergent epistemological orientations. • Complementarity: SS broader inclusiveness versus SES case-based pragmatism. • Enhance research mode by bridging SES empirical insights with SS theoretical rigor. • Strategic interdisciplinary collaboration preserves domain specificity while enhancing integration.