Due to the complexity of the traffic flow dynamics in urban road networks, most quantitative descriptions of city traffic so far are based on computer simulations. This contribution pursues a macroscopic (fluid-dynamic) simulation approach, which facilitates a simple simulation of congestion...

We develop an analytical core for sociology. We follow standard dynamical systems theory by first specifying the conditions for social equilibrium, and then study the dynamical principles that govern disequilibrium behavior. Our general social equilibrium model is an expansion of the general...

This perspective paper discusses challenges and risks of the information age, and the implications for the information and communication technologies that need to be built and operated. It addresses ethical and policy issues related with Big Data and how procedures for privacy-preserving data...

Why do financial markets crash again and again? How can we construct resilient institutions? What determines human happiness and well-­‐being, and how are they influenced by personal wealth? How can society change behaviours that destroy our environment and other important public goods? Big...

Biological competition is widely believed to result in the evolution of selfish preferences. The related concept of the "homo economicus" is at the core of mainstream economics. However, there is also experimental and empirical evidence for other-regarding preferences. Here we present a theory...

Despite all our great advances in science, technology and financial innovations, many societies today are struggling with a financial, economic and public spending crisis, over-regulation, and mass unemployment, as well as lack of sustainability and innovation. Can we still rely on conventional...

Why does the adherence to norms not prevent conflict? While the current literature focuses on the emergence, maintenance and impact of norms with regard to cooperation, the issue of norm-related conflict deserves more attention. We develop a general game theoretical model of “normative...

Smartphones, tablets, and app stores with almost unlimited possibilities have become symbols of the digital revolution. However, while all this makes our lives more comfortable and interesting, these innovations pave the way for much more fundamental transformations. They concern the way we...

The invention of the steam engine turned the agricultural society (with its “Economy 1.0”) into an industrial society (with the “Economy 2.0”). Later, the spreading of education enabled the service society (with the “Economy 3.0”). And now, the pervasiveness of digital technologies...

Having studied the technological and social forces shaping our societies, we are now turning to the evolutionary forces. Among the millions of species on earth, humans are truly unique. What is the recipe of our success? What makes us special? How do we decide? How will we further evolve? What...