Agent Models of Diffusion
Introduction
Agent based modeling of innovation diffusion, Special issue of Journal of Product Innovation Management, Edited by Rosanna Garcia and Wander Jager; Deadline 15 Sep 2008
Special Issue of Journal of Product Innovation Management: “Agent based modeling of innovation diffusion”
Guest Editors: Rosanna Garcia, Northeastern University and Wander Jager, University of Groningen.
Research interest has risen in capturing complexities using ABM to model innovation diffusion, consumer/organizational behavior and marketplace incongruences. Whereas early ABM models were quite abstract, recent developments focus on using empirical data in combination with ABM in addressing key questions in studying innovation diffusion in complex systems: how can we describe, understand, predict and manage complex behaving markets. The main objective of this special issue is to advance our understanding of the social and environmental dynamics that drive processes of innovation diffusion in different market contexts, as well as developing a perspective on the management of the complex dynamics displayed by many of these systems.
Topics will focus on, but are not limited to:
· ABMs of innovation diffusion, market dynamics and consumer/organizational behavior,
· ABMs to model management of innovation diffusion (as opposed to the diffusion process itself) either within an organization or within the consumer marketplace,
· Validation and calibration methods (e.g., conjoint analysis) of ABM’s using empirical data at the micro level (consumers) and macro level (e.g., sales),
· Advancements of the understanding of the role of normative influences and viral marketing on the diffusion process.
Manuscripts must be based on original work and not under consideration by any other journal or publication outlet. We encourage work that uses agent based models in combination with empirical data. However, conceptual and analytic work is also being considered. All submissions will be subject to double blind review by experts in the field.
For journal information and how to prepare the manuscript, please access the Journal of Product Innovation Management’s homepage and read the Author Guidelines at
The deadline for submission has been extended until 15 September 2008. The Special Issue is scheduled to be published in 2009. Submissions should be sent as pdf or word file to w.jager@rug.nl or r.garcia@neu.edu.