  In increasingly digitalized and metered distribution networks, state
estimation is generally recognized as a key enabler of advanced network
management functionalities. However, despite decades of research, the real-life
adoption of state estimation in distribution systems remains sporadic. This
systematization of knowledge paper discusses the cause for this while comparing
industrial and academic experiences and reviewing well- and less-established
research directions. We argue that to make distribution system state estimation
more practical and applicable in the field, new perspectives are needed. In
particular, research should move away from conventional approaches and embrace
generalized problem specifications and more comprehensive workflows. These, in
turn, require algorithm advancements and more general mathematical
formulations. We discuss lines of work to enable the delivery of tangible
research.
