Introduction to special issue on modelling policy-making

The articles in this volume highlight and advance issues about policy content analysis and modelling. One issue is about the relationship between formal modelling, which allows one to prove properties of the policy, and simulation, which allows one to execute the policy in a multi-agent setting. In some work, formal modelling and simulation are distinct, while in others, they are tightly linked. Another issue is the use of a model as a means to structure the textual analysis as well as to link the text to the model. And finally, policies change and adapt, so it is essential to manage and track change. Clearly, each of these issues merit further exploration and development. What is the optimal relationship between formal models and simulation? To what extent can= textual representations of policy be (semi-)automatically translated to formalisations or executable systems? How can change management systems be implemented and integrated into formal models and simulations? Underlying all these questions is a common core question What are generic or domain specific aspects of policy models? Addressing such a question, for example as in an ontology, would help to relate and integrate different proposals as well as their implementations. In the coming years, we look forward to hearing further about such issues. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.