title: Controlling self-organizing dynamics on networks using models that self-organize.
abstract: Controlling self-organizing systems is challenging because the system responds to the controller. Here, we develop a model that captures the essential self-organizing mechanisms of Bak-Tang-Wiesenfeld (BTW) sandpiles on networks, a self-organized critical (SOC) system. This model enables studying a simple control scheme that determines the frequency of cascades and that shapes systemic risk. We show that optimal strategies exist for generic cost functions and that controlling a subcritical system may drive it to criticality. This approach could enable controlling other self-organizing systems.
authors.affiliation: University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA. noel.pierre.andre@gmail.com
authors.forename: Pierre-André
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Noël
authors.forename: Charles D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Brummitt
authors.forename: Raissa M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: D'Souza