Where to now? A critical synthesis of contemporary contributions to the application of (co)evolutionary theory and discussion of research needs

As noted in the introduction, our ambition with this special issue has been to promote critical discussion regarding the present state of (co) evolutionary approaches to sustainable development. This concluding essay seeks to incorporate the substantive content of the preceding papers within such a wider debate. The contributions presented in this special issue cover three broad areas of interest; (i) developments in the theory of (co) evolutionary processes as applied outside of ecology, (ii) methods which might be applied to the analysis of (co) evolutionary processes, and (iii) examples of the application of a (co) evolutionary perspective or model to practical sustainable development challenges. We consequently structure our commentary around these three themes and provide some suggestions on 'where to now' as a conclusion.