There is no such thing as a digital twin: Deconstructing sociotechnical imaginaries of digital twin technologies in Dutch urban governance

Abstract

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.