Toward Design for Biocomplexity by Integrated Modeling of Industrial and Economic Systems

摘要

The U.S. National Science Foundation has defined biocomplexity as follows: “Biocomplexity refers to the dynamic web of often surprising interrelationships that arise when components of the global ecosystem- biological, physical, chemical, and the human dimension –interact”. Analyzing theses interrelations among these multiple spatial and temporal scales ensure the feasibility of the industrial process design and includes the broader implications on the economy, environment and society. Successful design of industrial products and processes requires consideration of the complex interactions between economic, environmental, engineering and social factors that span multiple spatial and temporal scales. For example, engineering design decisions are made at a fine scale of individual equipment and process, while its implications are felt at much coarser scales of the economy and ecosystems. In contrast, policies are designed at a coarse scale, but its effects are felt at finer scales. Existing engineering models do not include the broader implications on the environment and society even if the detailed scientifically sound models of equipments and processes are available. In the existing economy models, details about processes in each sector are not considered and environmental externalities usually get ignored. Unfortunately, most methods for technology assessment and policy analysis, particularly those that consider the use of materials and energy, tend to focus on only one primary scale.