Shared vision planning (SVP) was developed by the US Army Crops of Engineers Institute for water Resources to integrate is planning principles with systems modeling and collaboration and provide a practical forum for making management decisions on water resources. The framework was devised and piloted on five river basins of US East Coast, following the most severe flood ever recorder in the 1960s that led to conflict between states and cities. SVP integrates seven steps of planning into a structured collaborative process called the " circle of influence"; this drives technical analysis and the development of a decision support system.
Interactive modeling implies the development of an analytical tool that provides extremely fast and accurate dynamic visualization of a system. Stakeholders can interact and make direct changes within the tool as they use it, as well as see the results of their changes almost instantly. Such direct interaction facilities stakeholder understanding of complex physical processes.
Fast-integrated system modeling integrates and simplifies interactions and relevant feedbacks among complex systems into a fast, low-resolution model (for example in Microsoft Excel) necessary for high-level reasoning and communication, exploratory analysis and long-term decision support that takes uncertainties into consideration. The collaborative development of this simple model promotes common understanding of integrated systems, to better support evidence-based stakeholder dialogue.
Group model building and mediated modeling are types of participatory modeling using system dynamics. Causal loop diagrams, and/or stocks and flows are developed together with stakeholders and used to describe cause-effect relationships and feedback loops between factors and systems. The approach enhances team learning and creates a shared social reality that results in a shared understanding of the problem and the development of potential solutions.
Simplified processes of group model building that combine system dynamics with other simulation models are also used in cooperative modeling. In these cases, stakeholders co-construct a system dynamics model, which is then normally used as input for more complex simulation models. These models are used later for analytical purposes together with stakeholders. I decision-making processes where stakeholders are located over large distances, the stakeholder engagement process can take place via web interfaces.
Bayesian modeling is typically used in decision-making processes which consider probabilities of occurrence. This approach supports decision-making under conditions of uncertainty as it helps define the conditional probabilistic relations between variables in the network. The uncertainties associated with these probabilities are presented in a transparent way and analyzed together with stakeholders.
In companion modeling, stakeholders are typically involved in the co-construction of computer-based simulation models, agent-based models and in role-playing games for natural resource management, particularly at the community level. In other cases, it is more convenient for stakeholders to make use of the agent-based model as an analytical tool(participatory simulation)rather than to actually build it. In both approaches, the aim is to enhance shared learning dialogues.
Collaborative modeling using network environments for stakeholder participation combines participatory process supported by a socio-technical framework. Simulation models are developed with a focus on social learning to elevate awareness of flood risk and facilitate planning activities. The process is supported by a web-based collaborative platform.
Water resources systems are complex and encompass a variety of competing technical, ecological, economic, and social dimensions. Often experts and stakeholders do not fully understand or cannot agree upon the reasons why water-related challenges occur, let alone upon the actions that should be taken to adapt to or mitigate their impacts. Deltares’ collaborative modeling approaches offer an effective means by which to address and resolve these knowledge- and values-based conflicts between experts, water users, stakeholders and decision makers. They consist of interactive and iterative processes for decision support that combine stakeholder engagement with analytical modeling, visualization and communication tools.
The acceptance of water-related strategic plans and policies by national and local authorities are critical enabling preconditions for sustainable development. Conflict between stakeholders can generate opposition to these plans and lead to their rejection. Deltares seeks to resolve these conflicts by engaging stakeholders in joint analytical modeling activities to test and assess the performance of water resources systems under a variety of policy options. The benefits of our collaborative modeling approaches include the benefits and mechanisms.
Why collaborative modeling and how it is implemented ?
Collaborative modeling promotes the fruitful engagement and participation of decision makers and stakeholders in the analysis and assessment of policy options. Water resources systems are complex and encompass a variety of competing technical, ecological, economic, and social dimensions. Often experts and stakeholders do not fully understand or cannot agree upon the reasons why water-related challenges occur, let alone upon the actions that should be taken to adapt to or mitigate their impacts. Ownership and acceptance of strategic plans by national and local authorities are critical preconditions for ensuring sustainable development objectives are met. Deltares’ collaborative modelling approaches offer an effective means to address and resolve these knowledge- and values-based conflicts between experts, water users, stakeholders and decision makers. They consist of interactive and iterative processes for decision support that combine stakeholder engagement with analytical modelling, visualisation and communication tools.
