Responsible innovation in synthetic biology requires a research agenda to analyze and assess functional applications and their plausible future impacts on social–ecological systems alongside the many other ‘solutions’ (e.g. technologies, policies, social and behavioural interventions, changes to infrastructure) available to achieve shared goals for a sustainable society. Constructing the future knowledge landscape of synthetic biology could inform anticipation to explore how synthetic biology may redefine human–environment interactions and shape visions, expectations, and fears about the future.