Citymeleon - Strategic adaptation
to the changing environment
As urban management and territorial
planning evolve, Local Digital Twins (LDTs) are emerging as essential tools for
informed decision-making. To fully harness their potential, however, we need
learning modules that foster collaboration, interdisciplinary thinking, and
stakeholder engagement across sectors, departments, and interest groups.
Breaking down silos: fostering
true collaboration
One of the key challenges in
deploying LDTs is overcoming the fragmented way in which stakeholders currently
operate. City planners, local officials, and citizens often work in isolation,
leading to narrow, technical solutions that fail to capture the broader
complexity of territorial issues. LDT projects frequently focus too heavily on
technical outcomes, overlooking the social, environmental, and collaborative
dimensions necessary for truly impactful solutions.
To support learning around LDTs, educational tools must be inclusive, user-friendly, and adaptable to different learning styles. More importantly, they must promote co-creation—bringing together diverse perspectives to create innovative, community-wide solutions. The goal is to move beyond isolated, technically driven thinking toward integrative approaches that benefit everyone.
Designing learning for real impact
Engaging diverse stakeholders from
the outset ensures LDTs are not only technically advanced but also grounded in
real-world needs. Our learning framework uses critical questions to identify
potential blind spots and foster inclusive thinking throughout the process.
What is a "Local Digital
Twin"? Building a shared vocabulary
Successful collaboration requires a
common language. LDTs are operated at the intersection of multiple
disciplines—e.g. urban planning, environmental science, data analytics, and
social sciences—each with its own terminology and goals. Without a shared vocabulary
in both words and images, communication can falter.
To bridge this gap, our learning modules offer a comprehensive framework that addresses technical, social, environmental, and economic aspects of LDTs. This shared understanding allows all participants—from professionals to policymakers to citizens—to contribute meaningfully.
"This is a Lab": a space
for growth and experimentation
LDT development isn’t a linear or
one-size-fits-all process. It involves multiple phases or
"situations," each with distinct goals and stakeholders. The
"Lab" situation is where ideas begin to take shape and
experimentation occurs.
In this stage, it could for example be that a small project team—possibly with members playing multiple roles—begins to define the LDT vision. It’s essential that all key perspectives are present: education and training, ethics and inclusion, governance, and technical design. This holistic view ensures that the Digital Twin reflects a broad set of priorities from the start.
Criticism, especially early on, should be welcomed. Both positive and negative feedback can strengthen a project when addressed thoughtfully. Every critical voice should be seen as a potential contributor to improvement—a challenge donor.
In the "Lab" situation, an example of a critical question is: who outside the project group needs to be involved? How can they be inspired and equipped to participate meaningfully?
Creating a stakeholder map is one effective method for identifying overlooked voices—particularly those who might offer constructive criticism. Who could be affected by the changes the LDT introduces? Who might resist due to concerns about data, workflow changes, or perceived loss of control?
Our T4R training programme offers exercises and tools to engage these individuals early and meaningfully. Whether deepening expertise in education, ethics, and inclusion, or offering practical training in governance and technical design, the program supports a well-rounded approach to LDT development.
The framework's critical questions that will be brought together in the T4R Handbook at the end of the project, are meant to prompt self-reflection and drive progress. They are not just checkpoints—they're catalysts for systemic change.
Building resilient, inclusive
Digital Twins
Ideally, LDTs are supported by
learning programs that combine training with efforts to dismantle silo
mentalities. By adopting a triple-loop learning mindset—critical reflection in
a broadening context—we can foster a culture of ongoing co-creation.
This process requires more than periodic involvement. Stakeholders must be engaged consistently throughout the LDT lifecycle. This leads to systems that are not only resilient and adaptable, but also more inclusive and aligned with community needs.
The central lesson: each phase of LDT development has unique stakeholder needs. Waiting to involve relevant groups until their "turn" often leads to misalignment and failure. Instead, early and continuous engagement helps shape an LDT that reflects collective insight from the ground up. Our Handbook and training programme offer a practical, systemic pathway to achieving that goal.