Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.envsoft.2026.107211
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) Fourteen reusable building blocks (RBBs) for representing decision-making in agent-based models: a compilation on AGENTBLOCKS providing practical guidance and ways forward
Author Kunkel, J.; Grimm, V.; Stindt von Dohm, C.; Grothmann, L.; Schwarz, L.; Hotz, R.; Huber, R.; Zeng, Y.; Jurak, K.A.; Berger, U.; Polhill, J.G.; Verbeek, L.; Filatova, T.; Meyer, M.; Müller, B. ORCID logo ; Groeneveld, J.
Source Titel Environmental Modelling & Software
Year 2027
Department OESA
Volume 207
Page From art. 107211
Language englisch
Topic T5 Future Landscapes
Supplements Supplement 1
Keywords Reusable building blocks; Decision-making; Socio-environmental systems; Modular coding; Agent-based modelling; Individual-based modelling; Model reuse
Abstract Agent-based models (ABMs) are widely used to study socio–environmental systems. By integrating environmental modelling with behavioural theories, they enable to analyse how decision-making processes shape environmental outcomes. To speed up model development and enable cumulative theorising, it has been proposed to modularise components relevant across applications as reusable building blocks (RBBs). This paper describes an example of adopting the idea in practice using AGENTBLOCKS, a new open access platform for publishing RBBs. We present the first coordinated interdisciplinary effort of eleven modelling groups to identify, extract, review, and publish 14 decision-making RBBs from existing ABMs using AGENTBLOCKS. From this compilation, we extracted a decision tree to identify and scope reusable model components. Using a mixed-methods approach combining RBB criteria assessment, thematic coding of editorial feedback, and contributor surveys, we suggest empirically informed practices and next steps to lower the barrier for reusable coding practices in socio–environmental applications.
Kunkel, J., Grimm, V., Stindt von Dohm, C., Grothmann, L., Schwarz, L., Hotz, R., Huber, R., Zeng, Y., Jurak, K.A., Berger, U., Polhill, J.G., Verbeek, L., Filatova, T., Meyer, M., Müller, B., Groeneveld, J. (2027):
Fourteen reusable building blocks (RBBs) for representing decision-making in agent-based models: a compilation on AGENTBLOCKS providing practical guidance and ways forward
Environ. Modell. Softw. 207 , art. 107211
10.1016/j.envsoft.2026.107211