Title: Editorial: The operation and evolution of infrastructures: the role of agent-based modelling and decision making

Authors: Zofia Lukszo, Gerard P.J Dijkema

Addresses: Section Energy and Industry, Faculty of Technology Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5015, GA, Delft 2600, The Netherlands. ' Section Energy and Industry, Faculty of Technology Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5015, GA, Delft 2600, The Netherlands

Abstract: Operation and evolution of infrastructure mutually influence each other. Both involve decision making. In this paper, we explore insights from simulating both in a single model. We present a framework to compare and connect the latest in modelling operation and evolution, respectively. Using the framework, we introduce the papers included in this special issue. Building-blocks are discussed for multi-scale modelling and simulation for decision support. The most prominent problem areas are the selection of sampling frequency and synchronisation and the magnitude of the solution-space to be explored. A research agenda is compiled to address these and other issues when combining the two in multi-scale modelling to provide some direction for future research.

Keywords: infrastructure systems; agent-based modelling; decision making; operation; evolution; critical infrastructures; agent-based systems; multi-agent systems; simulation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCIS.2009.029123

International Journal of Critical Infrastructures, 2009 Vol.5 No.4, pp.299 - 307

Published online: 04 Nov 2009 *

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