The Esprit Basic Research Working Group 8467 on “Simulation for the Future: new concepts, tools and applications”, with the acronym SiE-WG (Simulation in Europe Working Group), started its work on December 1, 1993. It was an initiative of the SiE-SIG (Special Interest Group), currently consisting of some 150 industrial and academic members. The SiE-SIG acts as a platform and validating forum for SiE-WG results. The –now concluded– first phase of the SiE-WG activities was one of meta-research and focusing. From the vast arena of modelling and simulation, specific topics were selected which are deemed crucial for the future. Research into these topics now receives sponsoring of the SiE-WG. Action clusters of particular relevance to European industry and to the end-user were defined. Within these clusters concerted research now takes place (with SiE sponsoring meetings). The history of SiE is presented as well as the methods used to come to concrete Basic Research actions. The conclusions of the focussing phase of SiE’s activities are presented in detail. Special Interest Group SiE-SIG In January 1992, the Special Interest Group “Simulation in Europe” (SiE-SIG) was established. This was a direct result of the increasing need for computer simulation, its multidisciplinary aspects and a joint industry/academia interest. One of the aims of SiE-SIG’s establishment was to draw the attention of the Esprit officials to introducing simulation in Esprit Workprogrammes and encouraging its members to submit Esprit project proposals. On the basis of SIG discussions “Simulation Policy Guidelines” were formulated: Currently part-time professor at the University of Gent 1. Improve the modelling and simulation process (a) Modelling: Redefine “modelling” in a broader perspective than currently used and exploit this as a basis for new modelling and simulation methodologies (i.e., multi-paradigm systems). Focus on generic (e.g., object-oriented) component modelling and supporting representations to enhance re-usability and portability of existing and new simulation models. (b) Techniques: Adapt Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence methods and tools (e.g., formal verification, re-use, version management and decision support) to modelling and simulation problems. Merge results in integrated methods and tools (e.g., multi-language software systems). (c) Life-cycle: Attention to the full Modelling/Simulation Experimentation/Validation life-cycle. Explicit description and prescription of this (possibly concurrent) life-cycle to improve quality of the endproducts (software and/or hardware). 2. Open new application areas (a) Include new peripheral devices and novel algorithms into simulators. Enter new application areas (for example, in the medical sector). (b) Exploit highly parallel hardware architectures to simulate multi-component systems by directly mapping model structure onto hardware structure. 3. Provide user-simulator interfaces (a) Provide a common basis for independent development of simulators and user-interfaces by means of Open Systems (e.g., PCTE). (b) Intelligent user-simulator interfaces should present multiple interaction scenarios to simulation information (e.g., education by simulation, assisted statistical interpretation). “User Centered” interfaces necessitate integration of both engineering and human science models. 4. Enhance awareness (through knowledge dissemination) (a) Provide education in Modelling and Simulation to remedy the skill shortage in this field. The education (both in universities and on-site) must be tailored to the end-user needs. The implementation of a “virtual” center for simulation studies by means of an education network seems most appropriate. (b) Disseminate information about simulation as well as standardized tools to current and potential simulation beneficiaries. Both traditional (mailing and meetings) as well as innovative (network servers and electronic discussion boards) communication means can be employed. 5. Prepare standards and standardization procedures . Support flexibility in design and reusability of models by developing general formats for the information base of models in different application areas. SiE-SIG decided to incorporate subject 5 into the subjects 1 and 3 and to stress the multidisciplinary aspect by formulating major application areas to focus on: manufacturing, control, training, construction and design, bio-engineering. Esprit Basic Research Working