A Closer Look at Dutch Policy Development

Abstract

In the world of Agent-Based Modelling we claim that models and simulations are well suited to aid policy development. Yet it proves difficult to find the right connection with policy developers. In this paper we provide various insights in the policy development world in the context of the Dutch national government. We discuss relevant literature, report on conducted interviews with policy developers and reflect on participatory observations while working in Dutch ministries. This provides us with a set of needs and goals of (Dutch) policy developers. It also thought us that the policy process and the policy developer do not exist. A policy is only one element in the policy process. We found different elements in the policy process for which ABM’s can be used, like consensus building or communication of problem understanding. We pose that ABM is currently not fit to predict policy outcomes in our context. After discussing these elements we have summarized them in requirements that can be operationalized by us and others to find a better connection with policy developers. The requirements are a starting point for a framework that supports policy developers in their work with ABM.