Validating Agent-Based Models of Large Networked Systems

The paper describes a systematic approach for validating real-world biological, information, social and technical (BIST) networks. BIST systems are usually represented using agent-based models and computer simulations are used to study their dynamical (state-space) properties. Here, we use a formal representation called a graph dynamical system (GDS). We present two types of results. First we describe two real-world validation studies spanning a variety of BIST networks. Various types of validation are considered and unique challenges presented by each domain are discussed. Each system is represented using the GDS formalism. This illustrates the power of the formalism and enables a unified approach for validation. We complement the case studies by presenting new theoretical results on validating BIST systems represented as GDSs. These theoretical results delineate computationally intractable and efficiently solvable versions of validation problems.