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Digital Library of the
European Council for Modelling and Simulation |
Title: |
Framing
Simulations From A Policy Perspective |
Authors: |
Peter De Smedt |
Published in: |
(2012).ECMS
2012 Proceedings edited by: K. G. Troitzsch, M. Moehring, U. Lotzmann. European
Council for Modeling and Simulation. doi:10.7148/2012 ISBN:
978-0-9564944-4-3 26th
European Conference on Modelling and Simulation, Shaping reality through simulation Koblenz,
Germany, May 29 – June 1 2012 |
Citation
format: |
De Smedt, P. (2012). Framing
Simulations From A Policy Perspective. ECMS 2012 Proceedings edited by: K. G.
Troitzsch, M. Moehring, U. Lotzmann (pp. 619-623).
European Council for Modeling and Simulation. doi:10.7148/2012-0619-0623 |
DOI: |
http://dx.doi.org/10.7148/2012-0619-0623 |
Abstract: |
In recent years and accelerated by the economic and
financial crisis, complex global issues have moved to the forefront of policy
making. These grand challenges require policy makers to address a variety of
interrelated issues, which are built upon yet uncoordinated and dispersed
bodies of knowledge. Due to the social dynamics of innovation, new
socio-technical subsystems are emerging, however there is lack of
exploitation of innovative solutions. In this
paper we argue that issues of how knowledge is represented can have a part in
this lack of exploitation. For example, when drivers of change are not only
multiple but also mutable, it is not sensible to extrapolate the future from
data and relationships of the past. This paper investigates ways in which
policy simulations can be used as a tool for forward
looking approaches addressing the grand challenges. The paper develops
a typology of policy simulations and by reviewing simulation practice using scenarios, the authors disclose a variety of policy
simulation practice. To synthesize, we argue that policy simulation practice
underpinned by a combination of well-designed modes of futures thinking will
provide richer future images that go beyond the probable that is determined
by the past and present. This will strengthen the application of policy
simulations and enhance the use in a policy context. |
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