Analysis of system innovation in urban water infrastructure systems: an agent-based modelling approach

The conventional urban water infrastructure concept, as it is implemented in industrialised countries as well as in urban areas in developing countries face increasing problems not only caused by investments required, but also by major problems with respect to retrofitting, upgrading and inflexibility with respect to future developments. Identifying alternative approaches to provide urban water services and finding ways to make a transition from the technological trajectory of the conventional urban water infrastructure system to more sustainable ones is of interest for both the developing and the developed countries. The paper describes essential aspects associated with innovation processes in urban water infrastructure systems and presents an agent-based model to simulate these innovation processes. Additionally, first simulation results are presented.