Genetic Algorithms and Genetic Programming: Modern Concepts and Practical Applications discusses algorithmic developments in the context of genetic algorithms (GAs) and genetic programming (GP). It applies the algorithms to significant combinatorial optimization problems and describes structure identification using HeuristicLab as a platform for algorithm development. The book focuses on both theoretical and empirical aspects. The theoretical sections explore the important and characteristic properties of the basic GA as well as main characteristics of the selected algorithmic extensions developed by the authors. In the empirical parts of the text, the authors apply GAs to two combinatorial optimization problems: the traveling salesman and capacitated vehicle routing problems. To highlight the properties of the algorithmic measures in the field of GP, they analyze GP-based nonlinear structure identification applied to time series and classification problems. Written by core members of the HeuristicLab team, this book provides a better understanding of the basic workflow of GAs and GP, encouraging readers to establish new bionic, problem-independent theoretical concepts. By comparing the results of standard GA and GP implementation with several algorithmic extensions, it also shows how to substantially increase achievable solution quality.

BrunoBuchberger This book is a synopsis of basic and applied research done at the various re search institutions of the Softwarepark Hagenberg in Austria. Starting with 15 coworkers in my Research Institute for Symbolic Computation (RISC), I initiated the Softwarepark Hagenberg in 1987 on request of the Upper Aus trian Government with the objective of creating a scienti?c, technological, and economic impulse for the region and the international community. In the meantime, in a joint e?ort, the Softwarepark Hagenberg has grown to the current (2009) size of over 1000 R&D employees and 1300 students in six research institutions, 40 companies and 20 academic study programs on the bachelor, master's and PhD level. The goal of the Softwarepark Hagenberg is innovation of economy in one of the most important current technologies: software. It is the message of this book that this can only be achieved and guaranteed long term by "watering the root", namely emphasis on research, both basic and applied. In this book, we summarize what has been achieved in terms of research in the various research institutions in the Softwarepark Hagenberg and what research vision we have for the imminent future. When I founded the Softwarepark Hagenberg, in addition to the "watering the root" principle, I had the vision that such a technology park can only prosper if we realize the "magic triangle", i.e. the close interaction of research, academic education, and business applications at one site, see Figure 1.

BrunoBuchberger This book is a synopsis of basic and applied research done at the various re search institutions of the Softwarepark Hagenberg in Austria. Starting with 15 coworkers in my Research Institute for Symbolic Computation (RISC), I initiated the Softwarepark Hagenberg in 1987 on request of the Upper Aus trian Government with the objective of creating a scienti?c, technological, and economic impulse for the region and the international community. In the meantime, in a joint e?ort, the Softwarepark Hagenberg has grown to the current (2009) size of over 1000 R&D employees and 1300 students in six research institutions, 40 companies and 20 academic study programs on the bachelor, master's and PhD level. The goal of the Softwarepark Hagenberg is innovation of economy in one of the most important current technologies: software. It is the message of this book that this can only be achieved and guaranteed long term by "watering the root," namely emphasis on research, both basic and applied. In this book, we summarize what has been achieved in terms of research in the various research institutions in the Softwarepark Hagenberg and what research vision we have for the imminent future. When I founded the Softwarepark Hagenberg, in addition to the "watering the root" principle, I had the vision that such a technology park can only prosper if we realize the "magic triangle," i.e. the close interaction of research, academic education, and business applications at one site, see Figure 1.

Genetic Algorithms and Genetic Programming: Modern Concepts and Practical Applications discusses algorithmic developments in the context of genetic algorithms (GAs) and genetic programming (GP). It applies the algorithms to significant combinatorial optimization problems and describes structure identification using HeuristicLab as a platform for algorithm development. The book focuses on both theoretical and empirical aspects. The theoretical sections explore the important and characteristic properties of the basic GA as well as main characteristics of the selected algorithmic extensions developed by the authors. In the empirical parts of the text, the authors apply GAs to two combinatorial optimization problems: the traveling salesman and capacitated vehicle routing problems. To highlight the properties of the algorithmic measures in the field of GP, they analyze GP-based nonlinear structure identification applied to time series and classification problems. Written by core members of the HeuristicLab team, this book provides a better understanding of the basic workflow of GAs and GP, encouraging readers to establish new bionic, problem-independent theoretical concepts. By comparing the results of standard GA and GP implementation with several algorithmic extensions, it also shows how to substantially increase achievable solution quality.