Patent ID: 8144619

Claim:
A method of optimizing relationships between a set of agents with respect to a set of allocable resources, at least one of the set of allocable resources having an associated risk, comprising: (a) for a plurality of agents, determining at least one of a subjective resource value function, and a subjective risk tolerance value function; (b) providing at least one resource allocation mechanism, wherein a resource may be allocated on behalf of an agent in exchange for value; (c) providing at least one risk transference mechanism, wherein a risk associated with a resource, independent of the respective associated allocable resource, may be transferred from one agent to another agent in exchange for value; (d) selecting, using at least one automated processor, in a unitary optimization process, an optimal allocation of resources and assumption of risk by maximizing, within an error limit, an aggregate economic surplus of the putative organization of agents; (e) accounting for the allocation of resources and allocation of risk in accordance with the subjective resource value function and a subjective risk tolerance value function for the selected optimal allocation; and (f) allocating resources and risk in accordance with the selected optimal organization, wherein a portion of an optimal allocation of resources comprises allocable resources being undertaken by a risk transference agent which is not a consumer of the allocable resources and is not an originator of the allocable resources.