This book is the outcome of 15 years of research developing dynamic microsimulation models (DMMs) and using them for analysis. It describes some of the issues in developing a dynamic microsimulation model with applicability for multiple purposes. It outlines a number of methods for dealing with some of the difficult issues in building these models and has a range of applications using different versions of model. The book is aimed at both practitioners and students in the fields of microsimulation and tax and social policy analysis.

Microsimulation as a modelling tool in social sciences has increased in importance over the last few decades. Once restricted to a handful of universities and government departments, as a scientific field it has achieved a new dynamism during the last decade. As computing power increases and data availability becomes more widespread, microsimulation models can be put to hitherto unprecedented uses. Edited by leading experts in the field, this book illustrates recent advances, methodologies and uses of socioeconomic microsimulation in social sciences around the world. It does so by analysing...

The aim of this book is to explore the challenges facing rural communities and economies and to demonstrate the potential of spatial microsimulation for policy and analysis in a rural context. This is done by providing a comprehensive overview of a particular spatial microsimulation model called SMILE (Simulation Model of the Irish Local Economy). The model has been developed over a ten year period for applied policy analyis in Ireland which is seen as an ideal study area given its large percentage of population living in rural areas. The book reviews the policy context and the state of the...