Handbook of Microsimulation Modelling (Contributions to Economic Analysis, 293)

Microsimulation Modelling involves the application of simulation methods to micro data for the purposes of evaluating the effectiveness and improving the design of public policy. The field has existed for over 50 years and has been applied to many different policy areas and is a methodology that is applied within both government and academia. This handbook brings together leading authors in the field to describe and discuss the main current issues within the field. The handbook provides an overview of current developments across each of the sub-fields of microsimulation modelling such as tax-benefit, pensions, spatial, health, labour, consumption, transport and land use policy as well as macro-micro, environmental and demographic issues. It focuses also on the modelling different micro units such as households, firms and farms. Each chapter discusses its sub-field under the following headings: the main methodologies of the sub-field; survey the literature in the area; critique the literature; and propose future directions for research within the sub-field.