Federated digital twins need to be flexible and versatile, capable of working with different classes of data and information across various sectors, accommodating different spatial and temporal scales, and supporting different approaches to modelling [1].

Mechanisms - how to embed Federation

Planned Information Management Framework

Connected digital twins require a common language to share data across different organizational boundaries. The Information Management Framework (IMF) is key to this process, as outlined in 'The Pathway towards an Information Management Framework' [9].

The IMF is a collection of open, technical and non-technical standards, guidance and common resources. Once implemented, it will enable meaningful, secure and resilient data sharing across various sectors. This framework is crucial for achieving the vision of data sharing at scale, which is vital for organizations wishing to be part of an ecosystem of connected digital twins.

The IMF is formed of two technical components:

Firstly, a common language - an IMF ontology - supported by a Reference Data Library (RDL) and a Foundation Data Model (FDM). The RDL forms the words of this language, enabling different organizations and sectors to describe things consistently. The FDM provides the structure and meaning of data, serving as the grammar of the language [5].

Secondly, an Integration Architecture is required to support the secure, resilient sharing of data between applications and organizations [5]. This architecture is imagined as a distributed database, where component databases are linked by a messaging system. This system uses an FDM and an RDL, which all the connected systems translate into and out of.

This secure, resilient and meaningful data sharing through a federated and distributed integration architecture is a game-changer in the field of digital twins. The ability to create, share, and effectively use data is integral to the design and management of built environment assets.

Systems Thinking

In an era where systems are becoming increasingly complex, the role of professional Systems Thinking, and Systems Engineering (SE) in particular is recognized as crucial due to its interdisciplinary approach that addresses the lifecycle of substantial engineered systems [6]. As these systems become more interdependent, intricate, and dynamic, SE facilitates its Federation by enabling consistent, integrated, and quality-managed information throughout the lifecycle of infrastructure projects. For instance:

• Lifecycle View: SE provides a lifecycle view of activity, which is beneficial for managing complex, interdependent systems.

• Information Management: SE’s reliance on information supports the integration and federation of data across different systems and disciplines.

• Consistent Data Foundation: The use of an Information Management Framework (IMF) with a Foundation Data Model (FDM) in SE facilitates consistent data, which is crucial for federated systems.

Skills and Competencies for Federation

The federation of digital twins requires the presence of a strong skill set. The competency scorecards, as outlined in the Skills & Competencies Framework [4], can support in identifying skill and competency gaps, and developing a strategic plan for acquiring necessary skills over a given time frame [4].

Key competencies for Federation include collaboration, data modelling, communication, and transformational leadership [4]. Collaboration involves building relationships and shared goals. Data modelling requires a systems-thinking approach to manage data flow and an understanding of engineering semantics. Communication involves understanding data management challenges and advocating for better data quality. Transformational leadership involves valuing data and digital assets, creating a vision, and driving accountability.

Ethical considerations

A federated ecosystem of digital twins could raise concerns around data security, including personal data and intellectual property [3]. According to the Digital Twins: Ethics and the Gemini Principles [3], solutions from disciplines facing similar challenges, such as blockchain, could be explored to address these issues. The report highlights that there may also be concerns about the quality and robustness of shared data or approaches. Clear leadership, standards, and guidelines are essential to achieve the overall ecosystem's success. A data-spectrum framework could be a solution and is further detailed in the report Trust, Purpose, Value and Connected Digital Twins [10].

A federated ecosystem can enhance societal safety by improving access to infrastructure for various stakeholders, including SMEs and civil society organizations [3]. But data sharing, which is crucial for the success of a federation, raises key issues such as data protection and privacy. Recognizing the significant role that preferences and context have on consensual data sharing is vital.

Examples

The use case and case study outlined below demonstrate the practical applicability of digital twins in the context of the Federation Gemini Principle.

Use Case

A use case in the context of the Gemini Principle of Federation include:

• Emergency Management, It refers to the architecture’s deployment for short term use cases such as emergency management response. In addition to longer term routine operational use cases, an important use case is the ability to respond to an emergency that will require pulling together data from across different communities in a way that was not foreseen before the incident that caused the requirement, e.g., COVID19. (Integration Architecture Pattern and Principles)

The Digital Twin Navigator [7] provides examples of primary and secondary use cases for digital twins.

Case studies

The case studies outlined below demonstrate the practical applicability of digital twins across various industries and sectors in relevance to the Gemini Principle of Federation.

• CReDo, which particularly emphasizes the importance of collaboration, public good and federation through interconnected data sharing.

Please see the DT Hub case study register (Case Studies - DT Hub Community (digitaltwinhub.co.uk) for further evidence of successful outcomes with digital twins.

References

[1] The Gemini Principles. Available at: https://digitaltwinhub.co.uk/files/file/12-gemini-principles/. Accessed March 12, 2024.

[2] The Gemini Papers: What are Connected Digital Twins? Available at: https://www.cdbb.cam.ac.uk/files/gemini_papers_-_what_are_connected_digital_twins.pdf. Accessed March 12, 2024.

[3] Digital Twins, Ethics and the Gemini Principles. Available at: Digital_Twins_Ethics_and_the_Gemini_Principles.pdf (utwente.nl) Accessed March 12, 2024.

[4] Skills and Competency Framework. Available at: Skills & Competency Framework - Public Resources - DT Hub Community (digitaltwinhub.co.uk) Accessed March 12, 2024.

[5] Gemini Papers: How to Enable at Ecosystem of Connected Digital Twins? Available at: The Gemini Papers - DT Hub Community (digitaltwinhub.co.uk). Accessed March 12, 2024.

[6] An integrated approach to information management. Available at An integrated approach to information management: Identifying decisions and the information required for them using activity and process models - Public Resources - DT Hub Community (digitaltwinhub.co.uk). Accessed March 12, 2024.

[7] Digital Twin Navigator. Available at: Digital Twin Navigator - Public Resources - DT Hub Community (digitaltwinhub.co.uk). Accessed March 12, 2024.

[8] Digital Twin Toolkit. Available at Digital Twin Toolkit - Public Resources - DT Hub Community (digitaltwinhub.co.uk) Accessed March 12, 2024.

[9] The pathway towards and Information Management Framework. Available at: The pathway towards an Information Management Framework - Public Resources - DT Hub Community (digitaltwinhub.co.uk) Accessed March 12, 2024.

[10] Trust, Purpose, Value and Connected Digital Twins. Available at: Trust, Purpose, Value and Connected Digital Twins - Member Resources - DT Hub Community (digitaltwinhub.co.uk) Accessed March 12, 2024.

Further Reading

• The Gemini Principles

• Our Vision for the built environment

• Data for the Public Good

• Flourishing systems

• Skills and Competency framework

• Pathway towards an IMF

• Digital Twins, Ethics and the Gemini Principles

• Digital Twin Navigator

• The Cyber-Physical Infrastructure Vision

• Our Shared Understanding

• Trust, Purpose, Value and Connected Digital Twins

• Gemini Papers: What are connected digital twins?

• Gemini Papers: Why connected digital twins?

• Gemini Papers: How to enable an ecosystem of connected digital twins?