Integrating Optimisation And Agent-Based Modelling

A key strength of agent-based modelling is the ability to explore the upward-causation of micro-dynamics on the macro-level behaviour of a system. However, in policy contexts, it is also important to be able to represent downward-causation from the macro and mesolevels to the micro, and to represent decision-making at the macro level (i.e., by governments) in a sensible way. Though we cannot model political processes easily, we can try to optimise decisions given certain stated goals (e.g., minimum cost, or maximum impact). Optimisation offers one potential method to model macrolevel decisions in this way. This paper presents the implementation of an integration of optimisation with agent-based modelling for the example of an auction scenario of government support for the installation of photovoltaic solar panels by households. Auction type scenarios of this kind, in which large groups of individuals or organisations make bids for subsidies or contracts from government, are common in many policy domains.