Defining urban network resilience: a review

Abstract

As concerns over the security of intercity connections intensify, the concept of urban network resilience has increasingly captured the attention of researchers in related fields. This study aimed to clarify the varying interpretations of urban network resilience among scholars and to identify the advancements and potential gaps in existing literature. The results indicated that differences in perceptions of urban networks have led scholars to define urban network resilience from two distinct perspectives. This divergence influenced the focal points of research, as well as the methodologies, structural measurement indicators, and optimization strategies employed in these studies. We argued for the need to further explore the concept of urban network resilience by considering the nuances of different urban networks, refining methodologies for the identification, description, and measurement of resilience, and recognizing the interconnections among various types and scales of urban networks. This review can provide scholars and policymakers with comprehensive insights into urban resilience, thereby assisting them in making more informed and effective decisions.