A recent overview of the integration of System Dynamics and Agent-based Modelling and Simulation

Graciela Nava Guerrero, Philipp Schwarz, Jill Slinger

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

1243 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Modelling and simulation aim to reproduce the structure and imitate the behavior of real-life systems. For complex dynamic systems, System Dynamics (SD) and Agent-based (AB) modelling are two widely used modelling paradigms that prior to the early 2010’s have traditionally been viewed as mutually exclusive alternatives. This literature review seeks to update the work of Scholl (2001) and Macal, (2010) by providing an overview of attempts to integrate SD and AB over the last ten years. First, the building blocks of both paradigms are presented. Second, their capabilities are contrasted, in order to explore how their integration can yield insights that cannot be generated with one methodology alone. Then, an overview is provided of recent work comparing the outcomes of both paradigms and specifying opportunities for integration. Finally, a critical reflection is presented. The literature review concludes that while paradigm emulation has contributed to expanding the applications of SD, it is the dynamic combination of the two approaches that has become the most promising research line. Integrating SD and AB, and even tools and methods from other disciplines, makes it possible to avoid their individual pitfalls and, hence, to exploit the full potential of their complementary characteristics, so as to provide a more complete representation of complex dynamic systems.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 34th International Conference of the System Dynamics Society, July 17-21, 2016 Delft, Netherlands
PublisherSystem Dynamics Society
Number of pages13
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Event34th international conference of the system dynamics society - Delft, Netherlands
Duration: 17 Jul 201621 Jul 2016
Conference number: 34

Conference

Conference34th international conference of the system dynamics society
Country/TerritoryNetherlands
CityDelft
Period17/07/1621/07/16

Keywords

  • System Dynamics
  • Agent-based modeling
  • hybrid models
  • Complex dynamic systems
  • multi-paradigm approach
  • Literature Review

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A recent overview of the integration of System Dynamics and Agent-based Modelling and Simulation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this