There is no such thing as a digital twin
Deconstructing sociotechnical imaginaries of digital twin technologies in Dutch urban governance
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 6443655 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Sofie De Wilde De Ligny (0009-0009-4161-9006, Utrecht University, the Netherlands), Sharon Van Geldere (0000-0002-7322-0018, Leiden University, The Netherlands), Mirko Tobias Schäfer (0000-0003-0212-7016, Utrecht University, the Netherlands, corresponding author), Albert Meijer (0009-0004-3329-9624), Albert J Meijer (0000-0001-8532-7894, Utrecht University, the Netherlands) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 27 |
| Issue | 8 |
| Pages | 4420-4442 |
| Publication date | 2025-08-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | New Media & Society (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1461-4448 • E-ISSN: 1461-7315 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/14614448251338290 |
| OpenAlex | W4412850316 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 56 |
Within the context of three-dimensional simulations of urban space and their variables within, digital twin technologies (DTs) are touted as making urban governance and planning effective, calculable, evidence-based while reducing costs and complexity. We conducted 3 years of in-depth fieldwork on the application of DTs for urban governance in the Netherlands. Our empirical and critical analysis shows that DTs are not characterized by a novel quality of technological promise, but rather conform to prevalent narratives wherein technologies are marketed and advertised through specific imaginaries. Deconstructing the sociotechnical imaginaries through empirical evidence of real uses cases highlights the gap between the promise of the digital twin narratives and the emerging responses and practices in government. Therefore, through deconstruction, we call for practical, realistic, and responsible uses of DTs for urban governance and provide preliminary regulatory steps
Corporate governance · Economics · Knowledge management · Management · Media studies · Political science · Public relations · Sociology · Sociotechnical system · Computer Science · Gender Studies · Innovative Approaches in Technology and Social Development · Smart Cities and Technologies · Sustainability and Climate Change Governance
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| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |