Combinatorial Optimisation Problem
Combinatorial optimization problems involve finding the best solution from a vast number of possibilities, a challenge with broad applications across science and engineering. Current research focuses on improving the efficiency and scalability of existing algorithms, such as genetic algorithms, reinforcement learning, and branch-and-bound methods, often incorporating adaptive operator selection and novel model architectures like graph neural networks. These advancements aim to enhance solution quality and reduce computational costs for problems ranging from the traveling salesman problem to complex logistics and resource allocation scenarios. The development of more effective combinatorial optimization techniques has significant implications for various fields, enabling better decision-making and resource management in diverse applications.
Papers
Machine Learning for Combinatorial Optimisation of Partially-Specified Problems: Regret Minimisation as a Unifying Lens
Stefano Teso, Laurens Bliek, Andrea Borghesi, Michele Lombardi, Neil Yorke-Smith, Tias Guns, Andrea Passerini
LeNSE: Learning To Navigate Subgraph Embeddings for Large-Scale Combinatorial Optimisation
David Ireland, Giovanni Montana