A book chapter reviews the evolution of urban-metabolism research and outlines methodological and policy priorities. The chapter surveys foundational challenges in urban-metabolism research and identifies emerging frontiers involving spatialisation, interdisciplinary integration, governance and practice relevance. The discussion centres on Urban metabolism, Research agenda, Interdisciplinarity, and Urban ecology.

The analysis draws on Narrative literature review, conceptual synthesis, and research-agenda development. The geographical or conceptual scope is Global research literature.

The contribution reflects the Lab’s interdisciplinary approach, combining quantitative and qualitative evidence to translate urban-metabolism research into planning, design, governance or policy. Written by Daniela Perrotti, it appears in or was issued by Urban Ecology (Chapter 2, 17–32).