Advances in Healthcare Modeling: Microsimulation as a Tool for Applied Research (Seminar Series, Mendel lectures]- ROLAND STURM

Although the concept of using individuqal-level simulations to analyze economic and demographic trends dates back to the 1950s, it was only after advances in computing that microsimulation became a practical tool for research. Today, microsimulation is not just a fallback when traditional methods do not work- it has become a key approach for studying issues related to health care, labor markets, demography, employment, public finance. This method naturally fits with economic theories that focus on individual decision-making instead of broad aggregated. In this presentation, we will review the evolution of dynamic social science microsimulation, discuss situations where it offers valuable insights, and explore some current applications in RAND research in areas such as aging diabetes care, lifestyle interventions, drug policy, and climate change.