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Potential and limitations of digital twins to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals

Author

Listed:
  • Asaf Tzachor

    (University of Cambridge, Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER)
    Reichman University (IDC Herzliya), School of Sustainability)

  • Soheil Sabri

    (University of Melbourne, School of Engineering, Department of Infrastructure Engineering, Centre for SDIs and Land Administration)

  • Catherine E. Richards

    (University of Cambridge, Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER)
    University of Cambridge, Department of Engineering)

  • Abbas Rajabifard

    (University of Melbourne, School of Engineering, Department of Infrastructure Engineering, Centre for SDIs and Land Administration)

  • Michele Acuto

    (University of Melbourne, Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning)

Abstract

Could computer simulation models drive our ambitions to sustainability in urban and non-urban environments? Digital twins, defined here as real-time, virtual replicas of physical and biological entities, may do just that. However, despite their touted potential, digital twins have not been examined critically in urban sustainability paradigms—not least in the Sustainable Development Goals framework. Accordingly, in this Perspective, we examine their benefits in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals. Then, we discuss critical limitations when modelling socio-technical and socio-ecological systems and go on to discuss measures to treat these limitations and design inclusive, reliable and responsible computer simulations for achieving sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Asaf Tzachor & Soheil Sabri & Catherine E. Richards & Abbas Rajabifard & Michele Acuto, 2022. "Potential and limitations of digital twins to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 5(10), pages 822-829, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natsus:v:5:y:2022:i:10:d:10.1038_s41893-022-00923-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41893-022-00923-7
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    Cited by:

    1. Zhong, Ziqi & Zhao, Elena Yifei, 2024. "Collaborative driving mode of sustainable marketing and supply chain management supported by metaverse technology," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 121160, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    2. Elvira Nica & Gheorghe H. Popescu & Milos Poliak & Tomas Kliestik & Oana-Matilda Sabie, 2023. "Digital Twin Simulation Tools, Spatial Cognition Algorithms, and Multi-Sensor Fusion Technology in Sustainable Urban Governance Networks," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-25, April.

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