Stakeholder engagement is the systematic process of identifying, analyzing, and interacting with individuals, groups, or organizations holding an interest in or affected by a project, policy, program, or organization. As a research field, academic concept, and methodological approach, it investigates the dynamics of these relationships, exploring stakeholder interests, influence, and power, and the processes of communication, consultation, and collaboration. Its significance lies in fostering legitimacy, building trust, mitigating risks, enhancing decision quality, and contributing to more robust and sustainable outcomes across diverse contexts.