ePROBE:
an agent-based model
Introduction
ePROBE (exploring Policies for Recycling Of BiowastE) is an agent-based model aimed at investigating the impact of different policies and different policy combinations on the development of the bio-waste industry. The focus is on two policies: (i) the funding of facilitators to help create symbiotic links between companies and (ii) the role of a financial instrument.
In the simulation, the 'agents' are companies (sometimes referred to as firms). These companies have a contact network, where a contact is another company that they are aware of but have no formal contract with. They also have a network of contracts with companies, either a contract to supply material to another company or a contract to obtain material from another company. In the simulation, the network of 'friends' is shown in red and the network of contracts is shown in either blue or black - black means that the contract is for organic waste, blue is for waste oil.
Why should I use an agent-based model?
This model is just one example of agent-based modelling, an approach to developing simulations of policy processes which places the heterogeneity of actors, and their interaction with each other and the policy landscape, at the center of the modelling process. You can read more about agent-based modelling here.
The model interface:
How to use the model
These instructions allow you to download and run the model. This demonstration is intended to help you understand what an agent-based model is, how it works, and how the approach may of use in your topic or problem area. If you think an agent-based model of the food supply chain during food incidents is closer to your interests, you may prefer to look at the INFOrM model.
First, you should download and open the model. To do this you will need to download 'NetLogo', the program in which the model runs. It is important that you download the correct version of NetLogo - version 5.0.5. To download NetLogo 5.0.5, go to https://ccl.northwestern.edu/netlogo/ and follow the instructions.
Once you have done this, download the model here (you must use 'right click and save as', using '.nlogo' as the file type), and open it in NetLogo.
Contact: Anne Skeldon (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

ePROBE is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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