Climate change is accelerating, as is urbanization in developing countries. With these come a multitude of challenges—managing depleting resources, limited infrastructure, and uneven public services. Amid these obstacles, there is hope: digital twin technology and the concept of smart cities emerge as potential solutions. However, the road to transformation is not easy. Technology alone isn’t enough. It requires collaboration, policy support, and most crucially, sustainable financing.
Digital Twin: The Future Technology Arriving Now
Imagine a city. Buildings, highways, power grids, even water networks—all have a digital counterpart. This is the essence of digital twin technology. It allows us to monitor, analyze, and predict real-life scenarios. For developing countries, digital twin could be a powerful tool to optimize infrastructure, which is often inefficient or prone to failure.
For instance, a city can predict infrastructure disruptions such as road or power grid failures through digital twin. Cities can extend the lifespan of public facilities and, most importantly, reduce carbon emissions. This technology can also serve as a shield against climate change impacts, by modeling scenarios like rising sea levels or population surges that cause traffic congestion.
Smart Cities: Cities That Think for the Future
Now, imagine cities that are not only smarter but also more inclusive and environmentally friendly. The concept of smart cities is more than just digital technology; it focuses on efficiently managing urban resources to improve residents’ quality of life while reducing the carbon footprint.
In developing countries like India, the Smart Cities Mission brings new hope. Cities like Pune and Visakhapatnam have already implemented digital twin technology to model their infrastructure, creating smarter and more sustainable cities. In Amritsar, for example, the technology is used for traffic and water management, improving public service efficiency.
Indonesia is also joining the movement. Although still in its early stages, major cities like Jakarta and Bandung have begun to use digital twin technology to monitor transportation and flood management. The grand development plan for the New Capital (IKN) in East Kalimantan also includes the concept of a green and smart city, though how far digital twin technology will be applied remains to be seen.
Brazil offers another example, with Rio de Janeiro utilizing digital twin for traffic management and flood risk mitigation. This enables quicker responses to urban challenges and natural disasters.
Sustainable Financing: The Key to Transformation
Yet, behind every significant solution lies a significant challenge—particularly funding. Building green infrastructure and implementing smart technologies require substantial investment. In developing countries, with limited public budgets, this often becomes the main barrier.
This is where sustainable financing from external sources plays a crucial role. Organizations like the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and private investors focused on sustainability can provide the capital needed to accelerate the adoption of smart cities and digital twin technology. This support also strengthens cities’ resilience to climate change and environmental risks.
The global potential for sustainable financing is immense, especially considering the urgent need to address climate change and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With adequate financial support, developing countries can not only enhance infrastructure quality but also create new, eco-friendly economic opportunities.
Challenges and Obstacles to Implementation
While the potential of digital twin is enormous, there are several challenges to its implementation in developing countries:
- Limited Digital Infrastructure
Many developing countries lag behind in terms of digital infrastructure. Internet connectivity, strong data networks, and reliable data centers are essential for running digital twin technology, but these are often insufficient. - High Initial Costs
Although digital twin can save operational costs in the long run, the initial costs are significant. In developing countries, this large investment can be difficult to justify, especially when benefits are only realized years later, while immediate solutions are often prioritized. - Lack of Skilled Workforce
Digital twin technology requires expertise in digital technology, data analytics, and simulation modeling. Unfortunately, many developing countries face a shortage of the talent and skills needed to effectively manage and leverage this technology. - Lack of Awareness and Government Support
Not all developing countries fully realize the potential of digital twin technology in helping mitigate climate change and improve infrastructure efficiency. Without government support and clear policies, it is challenging to push for widespread adoption of this technology. - Resistance from Stakeholders
Stakeholders in the public sector may be reluctant to adopt new technologies due to a lack of understanding or fear of change. Uncertainty around the return on investment (ROI) can also be a reason why some are hesitant to support digital twin implementation.
Collaboration: The Path to Success
Overcoming these challenges requires close collaboration. Governments, the private sector, international organizations, and civil society must unite. Governments can play a crucial role by creating supportive regulations and investing in digital infrastructure. The private sector can provide technological solutions and expertise, while international organizations offer financing and technical assistance.
In addition, training programs for local workers in digital technology are essential. Building workforce capacity will ensure that digital twin implementation is effective and sustainable in developing countries.
A Greener and Smarter Future
Although the challenges are significant, the potential of digital twin and smart cities to transform developing countries is undeniable. Sustainable financing from external organizations, along with commitment from governments and the private sector, is key to achieving this transformation. With the right collaboration, cities in developing countries can evolve to become greener, smarter, and more resilient in the face of the future.
The journey may not be easy, but a brighter future awaits at the end of the road.
