Rapid and Adaptive Agent-based Model Development 

Fabian Lorig, Malmö University, Sweden

Amineh Ghorbani, TU Delft, Netherlands

Nanda Wijermans, Stockholm University, Sweden

Frank Dignum, Umeå University, Sweden

Harko Verhagen, Stockholm University, Sweden 

The use of Agent-based Simulations for supporting policymaking requires quick responses from the modelers. In urgent situations like during crises or disasters, where policymakers need to act promptly, but also when used for supporting everyday political decision-making, modelers must provide results quickly so that they are relevant due to the fast nature of the decision-making process. 

To address this mismatch between time-intensive scientific model development processes and the short-term information needs of policymakers, approaches and methods are needed that facilitate model development. For ABMs to be of the greatest possible value for policy- making, rapid model development is essential, which is facilitated by the reuse of existing models as well as adaptability. 

This special track welcomes submissions that present approaches for and experiences with the rapid development of ABMs for supporting urgent decisions as well as approaches that ensure and improve the reusability, customizability, and adaptivity of ABMs. 

The topics of this special track include but are not limited to: 

• • Development of generic, adaptive, customizable, and reusable ABMs 
  • Rapid ABM development 
  • Reports and reflections from real-world examples, case studies, and experiences from stakeholder interactions and policymaker collaborations. 
  • Use of ABMs for supporting policy making 
  • Examples of ABMs for supporting urgent decisions (e.g., during crisis and disaster)