The “SimCo” Simulator as a TA Tool

Experiments on Traffic Management

Abstract

The simulation framework “SimCo” aims at investigating the governance of complex, network-like, socio-technical (infrastructure) systems like transportation or energy supply. SimCo applies the method of agent-based modeling and simulation, meaning that dynamics at the system level result from the interactions of strategically acting, heterogeneous agents. Since successful governance depends on the agents’ reaction at the micro level, simulation experiments with what-if scenarios (with politically defined objectives) can be used to test different governance measures regarding their efficiency and possible unintended side effects. An abstract, urban road transportation system serves as an exemplary case, its results indicate a promising combination of soft and strong control measures.