Welcome to the collaborative modeling website. We set up this website to explain about collaborative modeling and its importance in supporting decision making processes that are able to create long term sustainability. It is also intended to provide information about the projects, approaches and key pillars related to the analysis and assessment of policy options. The information can be found in the links located in the left sidebars. The website will be updated so we advice you to check it regularly.
Collaborative modelling promotes the fruitful engagement and participation of decision makers and stakeholders in the analysis and assessment of policy options. Computer-based modelling, communication and visualization tools are used to support these analyses, with stakeholders involved during one or more stages of the design, construction and use of these tools.
Ownership and acceptance of strategic plans by national and local authorities are critical preconditions for ensuring sustainable development objectives are met. Limited knowledge about water resources systems in addition to disagreements between water users, stakeholders and decision makers are frequently causes for reduced acceptance of strategic documents and master plans. Collaborative modelling approaches offer a means with which to address such shortcomings in traditional planning and decision making processes. They promote the fruitful engagement and participation of decision makers and stakeholders in the analysis of policy options. Computer-based modelling, communication and visualisation tools are used to support these analyses, with stakeholders involved during one or more stages of the design, construction and use of these tools. Stakeholder involvement in these activities is typically characterised by high levels of participation, influence and control over the developed plan or product. The collaborative modelling processes employed are designed to create the necessary cooperative environments to facilitate the joint formation of negotiated solutions.
Deltares employs collaborative modelling to serve several different objectives. The inclusion of stakeholder perspectives and knowledge can help to broaden system understanding, integrate cross-sector interests and lead to improved model quality, credibility and acceptance. The development and use of simple and user-friendly modelling, communication and visualisation tools can directly facilitate stakeholder learning regarding the problem under consideration and the impacts of any suggested solutions. Moreover, the discussions and negotiations taking place during these approaches can help to establish a shared stakeholder understanding of the problem, build consensus and cooperation, and even mediate conflicts.Collaborative modelling can also thereby directly strengthen decision making processes, leading to more acceptable and implementable strategic plans.