Session 4: Anticipation through simulation: technical, natural and social systems
Computer-supported simulations have established themselves as scientific methods, supplementing theory and experimentation. Experiments produce results with limited validity because they only record a small part of reality. Theory abstracts strongly in order to be able to make general statements about broader issues on the basis of very few variables. In contrast, simulation creates models of the behaviour of complex systems and their components by linking a great deal of data with the help of computers. This method could develop into a mediator between experimentation and theory because it pools their respective strengths.
The advance of simulation is linked to increasing computing performance and simultaneously sinking costs. As a result, it is now possible to examine complex research topics in a number of disciplines with the help of simulation. In this way, the development of technical components, the spread of epidemics, climate change and animal experiments can be simulated on the computer.
Simulations can re-enact many different objects and procedures. One of their strengths lies in the modelling of networks, because these are comprised of nodes and the relationships between them, and thus can reproduce the complex structures of many different systems. This works equally well for biological (sub-)systems such as individual organs or human beings, for the interaction between man and machine, and for activities within a social network. These examples from system biology, socionics and network analysis reflect the versatility and the opportunities offered by simulation.
Session 4 will be moderated by Prof. Dr. Armin Grunwald, of the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS) of the Karlsruhe Research Center, which is part of the Helmholtz Association. It has the aim of assessing the value of the relatively young method of simulation for various sciences and for the promotion of innovation.
1st presentation – Natural systems: system biology
Background: The biosciences primarily examine cell components and their functions with the help of qualitative and descriptive individual studies. However, in order to be able to gain knowledge about their role in the process of life, the results must be placed in a broader context. This is performed by system biology, an interdisciplinary research approach that includes the fields of biology, computer science, mathematics and system and engineering sciences. System biology processes the huge volume of existing data and organises it into computer models of physiological processes and organisms. By linking individual studies („wet lab”) and simulations („dry lab”), it promotes an integrated, realistic view of life processes.
Objective: Participants will discuss the relationship between experimentation and simulation in day-to-day research activities in the field of biology and examine the question of what other disciplines can benefit from this combination of methodologies.
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult Willi Jäger, Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Ruprecht-Karls University, Heidelberg
2nd presentation – Technical systems: socionics
Background: The relationship between man and machine is changing: the performance of programs and robots is improving and they are being used in an increasing number of different areas of life. It is therefore necessary to develop user-friendly and intuitive operation and behaviour concepts for these programs and robots: they must adapt to human actions, imitate societal behavioural patterns and be able to take existing relationships and roles into account. Socionics, as a combination of sociology and computer science, examines the future technical feasibility and potential industrial utilisation of such concepts. It investigates the most diverse areas, including logistics, flexible production, robotics, the administration of organisations, web services, infotainment, etc.
Objective: The participants will discuss the benefits and the potential applications of simulations for improving industrial cooperation between human beings and machines.
Prof. Dr. Hans-Dieter Burkhard, Humboldt University, Berlin
3rd presentation – Social systems: innovation networks
Background: Modern innovation policy promotes networking within research as well as between research and industry. Such innovation networks aim to link value-added processes more effectively. They can be seen as the social infrastructure of a knowledge-based society. But what types of networks are best suited to this task? Which innovation networks should be given political support? This question can be answered with the help of simulations, which model and test complex events in networks, showing how new knowledge is disseminated within a network and is accepted by its participants.
Objective: The participants will discuss simulation as a method of innovation policy and examine the question of which conditions are necessary for a successful innovation network and must therefore be included in simulations.
Dr. Harald Katzmair, FAS Research, Vienna / New York