Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation of Socio-Technical Systems

This chapter reviews the current state of the art in agent-based modeling and simulation of socio-technical systems. A socio-technical system is modeled here as being composed of multiple agents, human and technological, each in pursuit of their goals. These agents operate in a rich environment created by their interactions with other agents as well as both physical constraints on behavior, and the more organizational, social and regulatory structures that guide and constrain actions. Implementing these models into a computer simulation also requires consideration of the timing and data-passing considerations that capture the agents' interactions, and of software-engineering considerations which enable best use of agent-based simulation in socio-technical system design. The insights provided by this method, and by its corresponding model of socio-technical systems, as phenomena emerge from agent interactions, are discussed.