In the late 1970s, scientific problems related to the creation and efficient use of tools for automating planning, design, and management of various processes and objects became increasingly relevant. Modeling played a key role in the development of this scientific field as a tool of cognition, enabling the study of processes or objects by simulating their behavior using other systems that are more convenient for analysis.
Mathematical modeling has long been used as a universal tool for scientific and practical tasks. It makes it possible to increase production efficiency, promotes technological development, and enhances labor productivity. As a tool of cognition, modeling enables fast and effective investigation of objects at all stages of their life cycle—from design to creation and operation.
Solving problems of mathematical modeling of processes, phenomena, and objects generally involves problem formulation, development of a mathematical model, creation of modeling methods, formation of a computational environment, and conducting computational experiments.
By the time the journal was founded in 1979, considerable experience had already been accumulated in the development of modeling methods. At the same time, complex problems arising during model implementation were often solved using methods and tools of electronic modeling.
The attractiveness of electronic modeling was обусловлена its high flexibility, the ability to quickly modify model parameters and structure, the convenience of measuring and recording variables, as well as the availability of a developed component base, particularly in microelectronics. This made it possible to effectively reproduce the behavior of complex dynamic systems in real or accelerated time, as well as to study them under extreme or emergency conditions inaccessible to real objects.
A significant contribution to the formation and development of electronic modeling was made by the scientific school of Heorhii Yevhenovych Pukhov. Under his leadership, the theoretical foundations and computer tools of modeling were actively developed. With the aim of disseminating scientific results and discussing them, the scientific and theoretical journal Electronic Modeling was founded at his initiative. The first issue was published in August 1979, and H. Ye. Pukhov became its first Editor-in-Chief.
The journal Electronic Modeling published materials that comprehensively covered issues of mathematical modeling. This is reflected in its main thematic areas (1979–1995):
- theory of modeling;
- organization of structures and computational processes in problem-oriented computers and systems;
- analysis, synthesis, optimization, and identification of electronic circuits, media, and systems;
- technical means of modeling;
- accuracy, reliability, and diagnostics of electronic systems;
- system studies and modeling in the energy sector;
- application of modeling methods and tools in science, engineering, and economics.
H. Ye. Pukhov paid great attention to the quality of publications and personally reviewed materials prepared for publication. To ensure a high scientific level, both internal and independent external peer review were introduced, after which the editorial board made decisions on publication. These principles remain in force today.
Since 1979, methods and tools of mathematical modeling have undergone significant development. Considerable progress in hardware and software has changed the role of electronic modeling. Despite this, the main focus of the journal remains unchanged: coverage of research results related to the development and application of modeling methods in science, engineering, and economics.
The status of the journal has also evolved over time. In 1991, an international editorial board was established, and in 1992 the journal obtained international status.
An important stage of development was the publication of the English-language version of the journal by Gordon and Breach (USA) under the title Electronic Modeling (1981–1991) and by Taylor & Francis (UK) under the title Engineering Simulation (1992–2001). Throughout this period, the journal has been indexed in the international database Scopus (https://www.scopus.com/sourceid/73589).
From 1999 to 2016, the Editor-in-Chief was Corresponding Member of the NAS of Ukraine V. F. Yevdokymov. Since 2016, the journal has been headed by Corresponding Member of the NAS of Ukraine V. V. Mokhor.
In recent years, the journal’s scope has significantly expanded in response to global technological challenges and transformations. Alongside classical areas of mathematical and electronic modeling, considerable attention is paid to cybersecurity issues, particularly in the energy sector, as well as to the study of robustness and resilience of complex infrastructure systems and the development of modern digital technologies. An important place is occupied by research on the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning methods in modeling and analysis, as well as the use of distributed technologies, including smart contracts and blockchain solutions, to ensure reliability, transparency, and security in the functioning of complex technical and socio-economic systems.