Exploring the substitution potential of critical materials for the energy transition: A model-based analysis of substitution of Rare Earth Elements in NdFeB Magnets in electric cars and wind turbines

In light of transitioning towards a sustainable, low-carbon energy system, NdFeB (Neodymium-Iron-Boron) permanent magnets are set to play a crucial role. These magnets, currently the strongest available, are integral to the functioning of wind turbines, electric cars, and various digital appliances. Their superior performance is attributed to...

Entity-based System Dynamics for Bridge Asset Management: Exploring the Effects of Spatial Maintenance Cluster Strategies on Infrastructure System Performance

The Netherlands is on the verge of initiating its most extensive maintenance project in history. The Dutch government will have to invest an estimated minimum of 260 billion Euros for the renewal of its aging civil structures like bridges, viaducts, and tunnels. This large maintenance operation is labeled as the replacement and renovation task....

Achieving price stability in an uncertain world: Assessing uncertainty in DSGE models

Understanding long-term labour market dynamics under deep uncertainty: A system dynamics approach for a labour market system

The Netherlands is subject to labour scarcity across a variety of industries. While labour scarcity has occurred in the past, only now the consequences of higher educational attainment have become prevalent in the Netherlands. Due to a shortage of vocational workers and a population that is getting older, circumstances ask for adequate policy...

Coupling for multi-models: A practical study of the process of a loose coupling between TEACOS and an agent-based model

Between Nature and Nourishment: Evaluating the impact of climate justice principles on terrestrial carbon storage and agricultural land use

Celsius or 1085 GtC. This thesis explores this significance and points toward prioritizing ecosystem conservation as a highly effective strategy for mitigating climate change. Initiatives such as carbon offsetting, performed by organizations like ‘8 billion trees’ and ‘cool earth’, could provide feasible solutions to enhance carbon sequestration...

Unlocking the potential of the Dutch hydrogen economy

The Netherlands is looking to decarbonize its economy and replace natural gas from Groningen and Russia with different energy carriers. Dutch government has been mainly stimulating renewable electricity production, CO2 capture and storage (CCS) and sustainable heat generation (RVO, 2022) to address these challenges. While these technologies are...

Modelling a Race for Autonomy: A study of the system dynamics of the competition for autonomous military capabilities leading to potential arms races between two nations

With growing tensions in today's world, new powers rising and contesting old powers, two nations risk ending up in a so called security dilemma: One nation's increase in security threatens its opposing nation. The consequence could be the escalation of military buildups into arms races. With ongoing technological advancements, militaries around...

Eurobonds: a Path Towards Common Prosperity or a One-Way Transfer Union?: A System Dynamics Approach Exploring the Possible Effects of Issuing Eurobonds on the Eurozone’s Economic Growth and Stability

Since the conception of the euro, it has often been suggested that the eurozone start a programme of jointly issuing government debt. There are many arguments for these so-called Eurobonds, and temporary issuance of them has already taken place in response to the economic impact of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. However, a permanent Eurobond...

The Value of System Dynamics for Healthcare Resource Modelling

It is no secret to hospital and public health managers thatresource shortages worsen pandemics. The importance of preparedness has longbeen recognized within the European Union. One of the current H2020 innovationprojects in this domain is PANDEM-2, aiming to improve pandemic preparednessfrom the side of resource management...

The Energy Transition in the Built Environment: Modelling and Visualising Sustainable Urban Development

EPA: Multi-Modelling for Complex Challenges With the acknowledgement of international grand challenges, the demand for better and ever more complex models is likely to increase a manifold. Where single models may no longer be able to grasp the complexities of a system, multi-modelling (Nikolic, Warnier, et al., 2019;...