The National Digital Twin (NDT) has been cited by the National Infrastructure Commission as having the potential to unlock an additional £7bn per year of benefits across the UK infrastructure sector
Yesterday (9 September) in London, the Centre for Digital Built Britain (CDBB) and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) brought together digital pioneers from government and industry to provide an update on digital twins, the National Digital Twin Programme and to celebrate the launch of the CDBB’s Digital Twin Hub (DT Hub).
National Digital Twin Day was the first day in a week-long showcase of the progress by CDBB and its partners towards digital transformation in the built environment. It offers expert guidance and practical insights on digital twin adoption through a series of interactive workshops with digital twin pioneers.
Keynote presentations from Mark Enzer, chair of CDBB’s Digital Framework Task Group (DFTG) and Sarah Hayes, project director of regulation at National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) discussed how digital twin thinking can drive more value from data, maximise infrastructure performance and deliver better outcomes for society.
The event also serves as the official launch of CDBB’s DT Hub, a community to support ongoing development and adoption of digital twins that can be ultimately connected to the NDT.
The National Digital Twin will be a national resource for improving the performance, service and value delivered by the UK’s infrastructure; delivering benefits to society, business, the environment, and the economy. The creation of its underlying information management framework forms an integral part of HM Government’s modern Industrial Strategy and Construction Sector Deal. Its development is being guided by CDBB’s DFTG.
Alexandra Bolton, executive director of the Centre for Digital Built Britain, commented: “The Centre for Digital Built Britain is proud to be highlighting the world-leading innovations and innovators shaping the future of UK infrastructure. As part of the Construction Innovation Hub, CDBB is supporting the adoption and development of digital technologies within the built environment.
“We are delighted to partner today with the Institution of Civil Engineers and digital twin pioneers from industry to showcase the enormous potential of the National Digital Twin to positively impact society.
“I hope that this week’s events provide CDBB’s growing community of researchers, policy makers, industry partners and the public with an engaging forum to share progress, insights and spark new collaborations.”
Mark Enzer, chair of the Centre for Digital Built Britain’s Digital Framework Task Group, said: “The National Digital Twin is the keystone of the digital revolution in the UK’s infrastructure. To ensure that it delivers its promised benefit to all, CDBB is committed to working collaboratively with the broader infrastructure community to enable all voices to be heard.
“I hope today’s event encourages those who have not yet gone digital to grasp the vison and join us on the journey.”
Sam Stacey, challenge director – Transforming Construction, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), added: “CDBB, together with its Construction Innovation Hub partners, is helping deliver the ambitious vision of HM Government’s modern Industry Strategy.
“I am pleased to see representatives from across the supply chain come together today to learn more about the transformative potential of digital twins to deliver benefits for the construction and infrastructure sector. The wider adoption of digital skills and techniques is critical to meeting UKRI’s Transforming Construction Challenge.”
National Digital Twin Day is a partnership between the Centre for Digital Built Britain and the Institution of Civil Engineers.
