We propose a novel approach to the statistical analysis of simulation models and, especially, agent-based models (ABMs). Our main goal is to provide a fully automated and model-independent tool-kit to inspect simulations and perform counter-factual analysis. Our approach: (i) is easy-to-use by...

Simulated models suffer intrinsically from validation and comparison problems. The choice of a suitable indicator quantifying the distance between the model and the data is pivotal to model selection. However, how to validate and discriminate between alternative models is still an open problem...

Taking agent-based models (ABM) closer to the data is an open challenge. This paper explicitly tackles parameter space exploration and calibration of ABMs combining supervised machine-learning and intelligent sampling to build a surrogate meta-model. The proposed approach provides a fast and...

Since the influential survey by Windrum et al. (2007), research on empirical validation of agent-based models in economics has made substantial advances, thanks to a constant flow of high-quality contributions. This Chapter attempts to take stock of such recent literature to offer an updated...

A major concern about the use of simulation models regards their relationship with the empirical data. The identification of a suitable indicator quantifying the distance between the model and the data would help and guide model selection and output validation. This paper proposes the use of a...

We propose a novel nonparametric minimum-distance estimator for the estimation of simulation models. Our approach leverages a nonparametric smoothing step to approximate the distance between real-world observations and data simulated from a model, allowing for the estimation of model parameters...

Agent-Based Models (ABMs) provide powerful tools for economic analysis, capturing microto-macro interactions and emergent properties. However, integration with empirical data has been a persistent challenge. To address it, we propose a protocol for integration between empirical data and ABM,...

Making use of domestic and international input-output tables and network analysis indicators, we analyze international and domestic trade relationships of Italian industries looking at their ability of transmission of shocks. To do this, we also propose a new taxonomy being able to distinguish...

When complexity meets economics, complexity economics turns out to be something more than simple interactions across individuals/entities, it turns into what has been labelled the bicycle postulate made of two components, coordination and change. Granted the ''Complex evolving system approach'',...

Though climate physical and transition risks will likely affect socio-economic dynamics along any transition pathways, their unfolding is still poorly understood. This also affects the development of climate-change policies to achieve sustainable growth. In this paper, we discuss a series of...