For monitoring economic developments, the Lab incorporates methods such as social network analysis and computational text analysis. The Lab will present opportunities for changing the ‘rules’. Innovation policy research will suggest multiple scenarios that can be developed and simulated. Policies can be experimentally tested before implementation. At IRU, we use agent-based modelling (ABM) – a powerful and innovative methodology which has been increasing in prominence in the scientific community – to identify and understand the effects of certain innovation policy strategies and their associated knowledge dynamics.  In contrast to conventional methods of social research, ABM provides us with a “computational laboratory” that is capable of dealing with the high complexity and non-linearity of the processes under study. Lab users can address research questions that involve different levels of the  innovation ecosystem: from start-up firms (micro level) to academic-industry partnerships (meso level) to whole sectors or regions (macro level). IRU’s Lab informs simulation with large empirical data sets. We rely heavily on the SKIN model for our simulations, please see here for further details on the SKIN model.

The Structure of the Computational Laboratory

The short-term 2009 objective is a network which consists of 1 data server (DATA SERVER), 3 optimized workspaces (SNA, ABM, and TEST) and 5 laptops (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5). DATA SERVER is a computer with a large data storage capacity to archive the data sets that are used in IRU projects. There are large quantities and many different types of data sets and files that will need to be archived systematically, for example empirical data, simulation data, SNA processed data, version data, etc. For this reason, the server will run software for data warehousing.

SNA is the workspace for advanced social network analysis. This workspace will be optimized for working with highly detailed visual representations of networks. In SNA, typically, multiple views on network data need to be examined on the computer screen. For this reason the SNA workspace will be built around a 30-inch wide-screen screen monitor. The big size and good quality of the display are very important.

ABM is the workspace for advanced simulation techniques such as agent-based modelling. In ABM, typically, very large batches of simulation runs need to be processed over manageable time periods. For this reason, a high-end computing system with very fast CPU core will carry out the simulations.

TEST is the workspace for testing applications manually and using testing scripts. It will also be used for ad-hoc tasks. The system will run many different applications (SNA, ABM, Mathematica). It will also be used for import or export of applications and files to different systems (e.g. high-end computing systems). Finally there are a series of laptops with different specifications for presentations, for SNA and ABM, ease of transport etc. 

The middle-term 2010-2011 objective is a network which is streamlined to accommodate internal and external users, with the requirement that they can log in to the network, highlighting the importance of the security of the network as a priority.

The long term (2011-onwards) objective is to further streamline the Lab comparable to state-of-the-art computing laboratories and networks. This means among other things, that the Lab will have technologies and protocols in place for all management and operational tasks involved (support, upgrades, installations, maintenance). The streamlining will require the programming of software (using Python scripts) and not require extra installations of hardware or software.

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