BNAS: Towards a Business Nework ABM System

Abstract

Business relations and networks play a central role in the way business and economic systems are organised and function. But their dynamics and evolution have received little research attention, with research focusing more on comparative static and cross-section surveys. In order to develop appropriate research-based management and policy advice we need a better understanding of how business relations and networks form and evolve. One way to do this is through the development of of agent-based simulation models of business relations and networks that allow researchers to systematically explore the nature and impact of different factors on structure, behaviour and performance that are beyond traditional closed-form mathematical solution and which would be impossible in the field.