Tutorial on agent-based modelling and simulation

TLDR

Agent‑based modelling and simulation (ABMS) is a modern approach for modelling systems of autonomous, interacting agents that self‑organise and generate emergent behaviour, and its growing use across domains is enabled by advances in tools, data, and computation. The article aims to provide a concise introduction to ABMS, outlining its core concepts and foundations. It reviews recent interdisciplinary applications and presents methods and toolkits for developing agent models.

Abstract

Agent-based modelling and simulation (ABMS) is a relatively new approach to modelling systems composed of autonomous, interacting agents. Agent-based modelling is a way to model the dynamics of complex systems and complex adaptive systems. Such systems often self-organize themselves and create emergent order. Agent-based models also include models of behaviour (human or otherwise) and are used to observe the collective effects of agent behaviours and interactions. The development of agent modelling tools, the availability of micro-data, and advances in computation have made possible a growing number of agent-based applications across a variety of domains and disciplines. This article provides a brief introduction to ABMS, illustrates the main concepts and foundations, discusses some recent applications across a variety of disciplines, and identifies methods and toolkits for developing agent models.