Digital twins policy position paper
A digital twin is a “virtual model of an object, a system, or a process. It is connected to its real-world counterpart by a 2-way flow of right-time data, meaning it mimics it in all aspects.” (National Digital Twin Centre, 2023). They are used across all sectors and all parts of life where we are able to test decisions before we make them and understand how different actions might affect the real world.
The global market valuation of DTs is expected to increase by $32bn from the years 2019 – 2025, and it is predicted that half of all large companies will use some form of DT by 2021 – resulting in a 10% improvement in effectiveness. (Source: Digital Twins for the built environment, IET)
IET key recommendations for maximising their potential
- Digital Twins adoption: The Government should make use of best practice in DT technology to help support changes to national infrastructure, healthcare, new housing, energy targets and other sectors to ensure taxpayers money is used optimally and the final product is efficient and resilient.
- Clear understanding: Stakeholders expect to see a return on their investment, but the value may come further down the line from increased security and resilience and non-financial. The DT catapult centre will be pivotal in outlining case studies and blueprints for good practice, including referring to the National Digital Twin Centre, standardised definitions, frameworks and/or guidance.
- Skills: Upskilling would be needed across the wider supply chain as skills for DTs would include data collection, data analysis, cyber security etc. UK firms are already the least likely to recognise digital twins as a priority technology for reaching net zero (5%). Only 23% of employers think that the UK has the skills in this area. We recommend that the government should collaborate with institutions such as the IET to develop, certify and deliver training.
- Clear labelling - There’s a lack of clarity over what comprises a DT, this affects the investment decision process. Much of the problem lies with software sellers labelling DT models incorrectly, which leads to varied definition. We recommend that the Government should champion standardisation in this area through procurement and the new Digital Twin Centre and the Digital Catapult.