Building a Resilient Future through Federated Digital Twins
The DT Hub has continued to collaborate with members and partners across industry, academia, and government to advance towards a more connected and resilient future, enabled by federated systems of digital twins.
Key Initiatives and Collaborations
Among the highlights:
Firebox programme. To accelerate the adoption of digital twin technologies, we launched the Firebox programme, an innovation initiative designed to connect SMEs and technology developers with infrastructure owners and operators. By fostering these connections, Firebox supports the real-world testing and deployment of cutting-edge solutions that address critical infrastructure challenges. The programme also champions open collaboration, helping to lower barriers for innovators and embed digital twin capabilities more rapidly across sectors.
Ethical assurance tool. In collaboration with The Alan Turing Institute, we supported a comprehensive survey of the digital twin community, exploring how ethical considerations are currently being addressed in practice. This work led to the development and launch of an ethical assurance tool, providing a structured way to assess and guide the ethical development and deployment of digital twins. Grounded in the Gemini Principles, the tool empowers organisations to prioritise trustworthiness, accountability, and transparency in the systems they create. Read more
Transport and economic insights. In partnership with the Department for Transport and Arup, we contributed to a significant publication examining the Economic benefits of digital twins for integrated transport network management. This analysis highlighted the potential value of digital twins in enhancing efficiency, resilience, and coordination across transport systems. The findings help build the case for investment in digital twin technologies as a strategic asset for national infrastructure planning and service delivery.
Read the Economic Benefits Analysis
Cyber-physical infrastructure. In collaboration with Digital Catapult and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, we delivered a targeted engagement programme that brought together experts from across the cyber-physical ecosystem. This collective effort informed and advised government thinking on the development of national cyber-physical infrastructure, culminating in the publication of the Future Opportunities Plan, a strategic blueprint outlining the key capabilities, enablers, and investment priorities for the UK’s cyber-physical future.
Community growth and engagement. Our community engagement continues to thrive. In 2024, we hosted 42 Gemini Calls and 2 Gemini Call Live! events, bringing together over 4,500 attendees and showcasing 94 digital twin presentations. By April, our DT Hub online membership had grown to 6,320 members, reflecting the increasing momentum and interest in connected digital twins across sectors. In partnership with Cranfield University, we also launched the Digital Twins for Senior Leaders’ course, which has already welcomed 90 delegates seeking to build strategic understanding and leadership in this evolving field.
We are also deeply grateful for the continued support of our partner, DNV, which has enabled us to expand our community activities and reach into new markets.
Advancing national data infrastructure. In 2024, we welcomed the Data Sharing Working Group to the DT Hub. This group has been instrumental in shaping the proposal for a Data Sharing Infrastructure Hub, a cross-Catapult initiative led by Connected Places Catapult. The initiative has gained significant traction, helping to demonstrate data as critical national infrastructure and providing key evidence to support investment by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Looking Ahead
At the heart of all our work lie the Gemini Papers, which provide the foundations for trust, openness, and purpose. Each initiative we undertake strengthens the case for connected digital twins and reinforces the need for secure and ethical data management.
In summary, the DT Hub has cultivated a strong, collaborative community grounded in trust and shared purpose. Together, we are testing new ideas, sharing learnings, and driving progress. This momentum is a collective achievement, and we wholly value the contributions of every DT Hub member.
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