ABSTRACT
This chapter describes details of the Simulating Knowledge Dynamics in Innovation Networks (SKIN) model and development processes associated with modeling large-scale social systems. The SKIN model is an agent-based modeling (ABM) used to understand innovation policy initiatives that contain heterogeneous agents that act and interact in a large-scale, complex, and changing social environment. The chapter shows how SKIN model met multiple policy needs: It can provide precise, detailed information on the effects of specific policy instruments, how well research and innovation networks operate, and how to understand and manage the relationship between research funding and policy goals. It explores conceptual framework for the combined application of empirical research, computational network analysis, and ABM, the basic model demonstrates that SKIN is a new, powerful tool that allows a more integrated and comprehensive understanding of innovation policy. Then, it also demonstrates that agent-based simulation models are adapted to address the information interests of different target groups such as firms and policy makers.
