PDE-constrained optimal control of a leader–follower opinion formation model

Abstract We consider the PDE-constrained optimal control of a leader–follower kinetic opinion formation model, with a Fokker–Planck-types system of partial differential equations as a state constraint. We derive the Boltzmann-type and Fokker–Planck-type systems of equations associated with the controlled leader–follower opinion formation model. In a function space setting we derive first-order optimality conditions associated with the PDE-constrained optimal control problem, yielding an optimality system of coupled nonlinear partial differential equations. We employ a gradient-type sweeping algorithm to numerically attack the optimality system obtained from the first-order optimality conditions. We present the results from a finite elements based simulation for different types of interactions and cost functionals.