Hydroinformatics as a ‘game changer’ in the water business

Abstract This chapter presents the field of hydroinformatics as a game-changer in the water sector business. It reflects on Mike Abbott's original ideas and evaluates their impact from the perspective of water business owners, water consultants, clients, and communities. Mike Abbott promoted a novel concept, combining theoretical and practical aspects of modelling, towards ‘industrial modelling systems’. The chapter traces the development of this concept, from its early adoption by government-funded research institutes engaged in scientific support to hydraulic engineering, through establishment of market for water-modelling software products, to its broad adoption by consultants. Mike Abbott also saw a significant opportunity for hydroinformatics in the developing world. New policies and businesses were easier to implement in countries without a mature market of ideas resisting a change. Many of his followers were eager to explore business paths, which were much faster and more agile than those in academic circles. Most large companies that are currently developing commercial applications and tools for water modelling matured during the so-called ‘third modelling generation’, when generic modelling tools started to be developed. Subsequently, the real growth was observed when the knowledge encapsulation and robustness of the applications expanded their use from specialists to a broad pool of water professionals and practitioners. The social impact of hydroinformatics was significant as it spread through a wide range of organisations impacting decision making, education, innovation and knowledge sharing. As modelling systems became a norm in the water business, the business itself has been transformed. Impacts of current technologies and new data sources on water modelling business are presented (such as the Cloud, High Performance Computing - HPC, virtualisation, internet of things - IoT, remote sensing, and others), and how they impact current needs of software producers and users. Diverse business models have emerged, which need to meet the future challenges of urban and environmental water management under challenges of climate change. With the large and continuously growing community of modelling experts and users, it can be argued that the Mike Abbott's vision of hydroinformatics has been well established.