Discrete-event simulation is dead, long live agent-based simulation!

Abstract

There has been much discussion about why agent-based simulation (ABS) is not as widely used as discrete-event simulation in Operational Research (OR) as it is in neighbouring disciplines such as Computer Science, the Social Sciences or Economics. To consider this issue, a plenary panel was organised at the UK Operational Research Society's Simulation Workshop 2010 (SW10). This paper captures the discussion that took place and addresses the key questions and opportunities regarding ABS that will face the OR community in the future.