This special issue of the Journal of Economics and Statistics is devoted to the use of
agent-based models for economic policy advice. It presents a collection of research papers in
different fields of applications. Special emphasis is laid on discussing the potential and
possible limitations of agent-based models for economic policy advice. The editorial provides
an overview on the role of agent-based modeling in economic policy referring also to the papers
presented. Furthermore it highlights the strength of the approach i.e. the explicit
microfoundation and the modeling of heterogenous agents. Finally we also report on current
limitations of the method with regard to economic policy advice and point at some areas
deserving further research.
