Enhancing Passenger Experience – AI in Transport Competition
Applications closed
events
Smart City Expo World Congress
The event for better cities and urban innovation.
Event finished: 6th November 2025
We’re excited to partner with Fira Barcelona and join 25,000+ visitors from over 130 countries.
Connected Places Catapult will lead the UK Pavilion, joining 1,100+ exhibitors, 600+ speakers, and representatives from 850+ cities.
The event annually attracts a diverse audience of industry executives, government leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs who come together to explore complex issues at the heart of a new model for cities and society.
Together with 31 partners from UK cities, regions, academia, freeports, and businesses, we will be showcasing smart and innovative solutions they have implemented to help deliver their city ambitions.
Our partners include:
Meet us in person in Hall 3, Stand D131 to share information and extend your network.
Join Us at the UK Pavilion!
Tuesday 4 November | 11:00–12:00
Kick off your day with the Launch of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy and our Meet the UK Partners Business Brunch.
We’ll begin at 11:00 with a Welcome Address from Erika Lewis, CEO and UK Government Representative, followed by a networking brunch – a great chance to connect with UK cities, regions, and innovators.
Wednesday 5 November | 17:00–18:00
Join us for Networking Drinks hosted by our UK partners.
Meet the UK delegation and hear how they’re driving innovation and international collaboration to build better, more sustainable communities.
No registration needed – just drop by the UK Pavilion. We’d be delighted to see you there!
To find out how to arrange a business meeting with us and our UK partners, contact us at events@cp.catapult.org.uk or search for Connected Places Catapult on the SCEWC event app.
From local to global: smart city collaboration across the UK and beyond
11:00 – 11:20
The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy
Led by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the UK’s Industrial Strategy is a bold 10-year plan launched in 2025 to drive long-term economic growth, boost business investment, and position the UK as a global leader in future-focused industries.
Hear directly from the UK Government on how the strategy is progressing since its launch – and what’s next for innovation, investment, and international collaboration.
- Opening address: Erika Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Connected Places Catapult
- Guest speaker: Helen Creighton, Head of Place – Industrial Strategy Unit, Department for Business and Trade
11:20 – 12:00
Networking Brunch: Meet the UK Partners supported by the Department for Business and Trade
Kick-start your Congress experience with our Networking Brunch! Connect with 20 UK partner organisations – including cities, regions, academia, freeports, and innovative SMEs – all showcasing their smart solutions at the UK Pavilion and have some delicious food and freshly brewed coffee.
12:00 – 12:35
How Can the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy and the AI Growth Plan help Drive Towards a More Digital Future?
This panel explores how AI, data infrastructure, and digital twin technologies – central to the UK’s Industrial Strategy -can drive sustainable growth. It highlights how smart cities, Freeports, and innovation clusters are harnessing digital transformation to build inclusive, resilient economies ready for future challenges.
- Chair: Erika Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Connected Places Catapult
- Tiffany St James, Chief AI Officer, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
- Freyja Lockwood, Programme Manager- Digital Office, West of England Mayoral Combined Authority
- Alison Young, Director of Trade & Investment, Thames Freeport
- Helen Creighton, Head of Place – Industrial Strategy Unit, Department for Business and Trade
13:00 – 13:35
Innovation at Scale: Public-Private collaboration for smart infrastructure
Explore how cities and tech innovators co-develop infrastructure pilots, investment zones, and innovation districts. This session highlights scalable models for collaboration, procurement, and deployment, with insights on clusters, accelerators, SME involvement, and procurement reform. Learn from UK innovation zones and their global relevance in accelerating smart urban transformation.
- Chair: Councillor Stephen Cowan, Leader of the Council, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham
- Naomi Hutchinson Yes Chief Innovation Growth Officer Sunderland City Council
- Oana Beattie, Vice President, Kyndryl
- Michael Quane, Chief Commercial Officer, Terminus Technologies
- Theresa Searle, Telecoms Unit Manager, Glasgow City Council
14:00 – 14:35
From Sandbox to Scale: How are Testbeds Accelerating Innovation Adoption Across UK Regions
Testbeds enable place-based innovation by trialing emerging technologies in real-world settings. Applied to local challenges like transport or public health, they offer controlled environments for experimentation. This helps de-risk investment through validation, user insights, and measurable impact -informing smarter procurement and accelerating adoption across regions.
- Chair: Marcos Kauffman, Research Centre Director, Coventry University
- Mike Dawson, People and Digital Transformation Director, Belfast Harbour
- Shah Zeb, Technical Specialist, Smart Internet Lab Bristol, University of Bristol
- Miles Blagden, Inward Investment Manager – Sustainability, London & Partners
- Alison Young, Director of Trade & Investment, Thames Freeport
15:00 – 15:35
How the advancements in data architectures and generative AI are providing ‘game changing’ opportunities for public sector reform.
This session explores how advances in data architecture and generative AI are transforming public services. With practical examples from local authorities, it highlights opportunities for reform and addresses key ethical and security considerations in deploying these technologies.
- Chair: Justin Anderson, Data and Digital Managing Director, Connected Places Catapult
- Liz St Louis, Director of Smart Cities and Enabling Services, Sunderland City Council
- Freyja Lockwood, Programme Manager- Digital Office, West of England Mayoral Combined Authority
- Dan Wysocki, Head of IoT and Smart Places, Makutu
- Dr Colin Birchenall, Chief Digital Officer, Glasgow City Council
16:00 – 16:35
How Places Lead with Data: From Policy to Practice
This session explores how UK Government investment and legislation are reshaping the data landscape. It highlights how cities are implementing national strategies through data sharing, digital twins, and interoperable platforms -building resilience, driving growth, and showcasing why cities are uniquely positioned to lead digital transformation.
- Chair: Lloyd Broad, Head of European and International Affairs, Birmingham City Council
- Dr Amit Bhave, CEO & Founder, CMCL
- Tiffany St James, Chief AI Officer, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
- Liz Davidson, Chief Marketing Officer, QRoutes
- Phil Swan, Director for Digital, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Agora Stage
17:50 – 18:35
Building Resilient Places with Data Sharing Infrastructure
Agora Stage: Infrastructure & Building
UK Cities today are grappling with a perfect storm of infrastructure challenges: ageing buildings, costly maintenance, increased flooding, and rising temperatures are straining systems that were never designed for today’s climate changes and extremes. Failing infrastructure leads to cascading impacts on people, places and transport systems. This panel explores how Data Sharing Infrastructure (DSI) can support national goals like net zero, public service reform, and economic growth across our regions. By aligning policy, technology and collaboration, we can build the frameworks that allow innovation to thrive and places to become more connected and sustainable.
- Chair: Erika Lewis, CEO, Connected Places Catapult
- Dr Adrian Johnston MBE, Innovation Commissioner, Belfast
- Tiffany St James, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
- Dr Amit Bhave, CEO & Founder, CMCL
- Abdul Rahim, Chief Innovation Officer, London Legacy Development Corporation / Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Unlocking economic growth through AI, data and digital twins
10:00 – 10:35
How Can Technology Improve the Efficiency of the UK Transport Landscape
Technology is making UK transport smarter and greener, with AI, data, and automation powering seamless journeys and faster, cleaner logistics. These innovations are building connected cities where efficient, sustainable movement, benefits everyone.
- Chair: Sameer Savani, Transport Managing Director, Connected Places Catapult
- Mike Dawson, People and Transformation Director, Belfast Harbour
- Liz Davidson, Chief Marketing Officer, QRoutes
- David Cronin, Inward Investment Manager – Sustainability, London & Partners
- Hannah Tune, ITS Development Manager, Transport for Greater Manchester
11:00 – 11:35
Driving a More Inclusive Future for the UK
This panel explores how inclusive innovation, policy, and place-based strategies can shape a fairer future for communities across the UK. Speakers will share insights on unlocking opportunity through collaboration, investment, and inclusive design – ensuring no one is left behind in the UK’s transformation journey.
- Chair: Freyja Lockwood, Programme Manager- Digital Office, West of England Mayoral Combined Authority
- Dr Adrian Johnston, Innovation Commissioner, Innovation City Belfast
- Liz Davidson, Chief Marketing Officer, QRoutes
- Angela Harrington, Director of Inclusive Economy, Manchester City Council
- Cllr Paul Leinster, Chair of the Digital Glasgow Board, Glasgow City Council
12:00 – 12:35
Leading Urban Transformation for the Future.
Lessons from the Lesser-known: A Capstone project for the EIT Urban Mobility Emerging Leaders Programme
This session would provide an opportunity to explore how cities can collaborate to strengthen urban leadership, building on the experiences of the Emerging Leaders programme and its previous editions.
- Chair: Olev Parts, Deputy Head of Talinn Transport Department, Tallinn Transport Department, Estonia
- Mihai Ionut, Consultant to the Mayor of Bacau, Primaria Municipiului Bacau, Romania
- Cllr Stephen Cowan, Leader of the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, United Kingdom
- Juan Carlos Escudero, Head of Mobility and Data Science Unit, Centre for Environmental Studies, Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council, Spain
- Emma Court, Walking & Cycling Officer Fingal County Council, Republic of Ireland
13:00 – 14:00
The Small Business Takeover: The Power of Small: SMEs Driving the IoT Revolution
Join us at The SME Takeover, a casual and relaxed event spotlighting the innovation, agility, and impact of small and medium-sized enterprises across key sectors. Designed to amplify the voices of emerging businesses, the takeover provides a platform for SMEs to showcase their solutions, connect with industry leaders, and contribute to shaping future policy and market trends.
- Chair: Moderator: Iqbal Singh Bedi, Intelligens Consulting
14:00 – 14:35
Modelling Success: Digital Twins as Policy Outcome Accelerators
Digital twins are evolving from concept to impact.
This panel explores how governments and stakeholders are using digital twin simulations to anticipate challenges, test scenarios, and deliver measurable outcomes in infrastructure, climate resilience, mobility, and public services. Panellists will share real-world applications, lessons learned, and the potential for smarter, faster, and more effective policy-making.
- Chair: Alanna Gluck, Senior Consultant – Data and Digital Products, Connected Places Catapult
- Amit Bhave, CEO & Founder, CMCL
- Liz Davidson, Chief Marketing Officer, QRoutes
- Sam Li, Head of Digital Innovation, Transport for Greater Manchester
- Joanna Birch, Director, Growthinnk
15:00 – 15:35
Beyond Readiness – Integrating Society and Technology Through Digital Twins
The launch of the Nexus Digital Twin and its integration into the STRIDE Test-Bed marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of smart city innovation. These platforms serve as dynamic environments for testing, validating, and scaling digital twin technologies across sectors, enabling real-time simulation, predictive analytics, and collaborative problem-solving.
- Chair: Dan Isaacs, Chief Technology Officer, Digital Twin Consortium
- Sian Purvey, National Operations Manager, Crysp
- David McKee, CEO & Founder, Counterpoint Technologies
- Dennis Dokter, Smart Cities Lead, Manager Data and Insights, Nexus, University of Leeds
17:00 – 18:00
Networking Drinks Reception: Meet the UK Partners
Join us for an informal evening of conversation and connection with leading UK organisations driving smart city innovation. This reception offers a unique opportunity to meet UK partners across government, industry, and academia, explore collaboration opportunities, and celebrate shared ambitions for sustainable urban transformation. Enjoy drinks, light refreshments, and engaging dialogue in a relaxed setting.
Creating an innovative, sustainable and better connected urban future
10:00 – 10:35
Seeding and Scaling Innovation Places: International Perspectives on Policy, Partnerships, Placemaking and Infrastructure
This panel brings together international perspectives from Australasia, Europe and the UK to explore what it means to seed and scale innovation districts. Drawing on global experience, speakers will share practical insights into building resilient, future-ready places that unlock inclusive growth, investment, and long-term value.
- Chair: Councillor Stephen Cowan, Leader of the Council, London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
- Abdul Rahim, Chief Innovation Officer, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
- Ronan Herron, Co-Founder, the European Association of Business Innovation Districts
- Catherine Hadfield, Strategic Lead, Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, West Midlands Combined Authority
- Dr. Sunil Dubey, Professor of City Strategy, UNSW City Institute
articles
Digital twins and AI: What next for transport connectivity?
Unlocking the ‘triplet’ of digital twins and AI will be a gamechanger for our transport systems, the Connected Places Summit heard.
“Connected digital twins provide a mechanism to view the world through the lens of how consumers experience a service,” remarked National Highways’ Chief Data Officer, Davin Crowley-Sweet in a session focused on development of a federated network of transport systems.
He spoke of big tech companies – such as Netflix – becoming “incredibly successful by pivoting their business models” to provide personalised customer experiences.
“What you will start to see from National Highways is we will become less a road operator and road builder, and more a customer service provider.”
Davin added that transport operators must also “move to a model where you are not competing with other forms of transport – like sibling rivalry – where it is us versus trains”.
He said it was “strange” that transport is often structured around operational boundaries, rather than the purpose of connecting the country and creating journeys, especially as all journeys on National Highways roads begin on local authority routes and some trips involve not just a car, but possibly a train, bus and walking too.
It is important to think collectively about how best to increase capacity – whether that is building a road or a railway, he added. “We can only do that if we are sharing data, and not viewing the success of our organisations through the immediate boundary of our organisational structures” but rather aligning with “a common set of goals we agree to, based around users of a service”.
“You might think connected digital twins are flashy tech, but they are not. It is fundamentally shifting the perspective of how we operate for the user of services, as opposed to the internal views of how do we get better at using data to design, build, manage and operate a piece of infrastructure.”Davin Crowley-Sweet, National Highways’ Chief Data Officer
Digital twins becoming ‘digital triplets’
Another session heard Lord Tim Clement-Jones CBE, a Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence, discuss AI and digital twins.
He said that AI was “the missing bit of the digital twin – it’s the digital triplet” and that the “possibilities of improvement are huge” to help with innovation.
He added: “Politicians desperately need educating that regulation is not all bad.”
Businesses tend to like “clarity, consistency and certainty when it comes to the adoption of new technology” but said the Government “seems to think that growth is being held back by regulation”. He recognises the need to “cut red tape as much as possible”, but warned against scrapping regulations built up over the last 20 years as a means to encourage professionals to innovate.
He spoke instead of the importance of encouraging the ‘animal spirits’ of entrepreneurs.
“You can have all the de-regulation you like, but you have got to create enthusiasm – and I don’t think we have enough going yet. Government has got to do more, and it isn’t about giving our regulators a hard time.”Lord Tim Clement-Jones CBE, a Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence
Lord Tim Clement-Jones was asked by Dr Alison Vincent CBE, Chair of the Digital Twin Hub Board, and a Non-Executive Director at Connected Places Catapult if the UK should own its own AI ‘supercomputer’ to make the country less reliant on others.
He replied there is “quite a lot to be said for sovereign capacity” in areas such as cloud services to reduce dependency on a handful of large tech firms in America.
“Once you are inside the system, there is no escape, and having some sovereign capacity and not being bound to a Silicon Valley company is useful. There needs to be a more competitive environment.”
Lord Tim Clement-Jones also described the sector’s start-up culture as “great” but added “where we go wrong is the growth; it is the scale-up aspect where we are really weak – and we don’t have the risk takers.”
He spoke of his support for so-called ‘sandboxing’ which allows for innovation to be tried without falling foul of regulation at the development stage, and added there could be merit in broadening public understanding of the issues around AI and data.
“The phrase ‘digital twins’ is known by the industry, but if you use the phrase to somebody out there (the public), they have no idea what you are talking about.
“But as soon as you talk about virtual reality or video games, they begin to twig.” He suggested that reducing jargon and speaking in the simplest possible forms may help to increase understanding around AI and digital twins.
To watch a wrap-up video summarising this year’s Connected Places Summit click here. To watch the full videos of the two data discussions on video on demand, see below
In conversation with The Lord Clement Jones CBE
Navigating towards a federated network of transport systems
Unlock the potential of AI in transforming the UK transport sector
The Department for Transport (DfT), in collaboration with Connected Places Catapult, recognises the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of the UK’s transport system.
The Government has recently announced a consultation to allow the creation of an Integrated National Transport Strategy which will set out a ‘people first approach’ to getting people around the country.
The Enhancing Passenger Experience – AI in Transport Competition will allow Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to submit a use case proposal for an AI-driven transport solution that complements government objectives.
Successful applicants will work closely with government and industry stakeholders to develop a business case and pitch deck as well as opportunities to further develop their solution.
Competition Overview
Scope
With a focus on passenger experience, this competition seeks solutions that complement the government’s key priorities for transport.
In alignment with the government’s key priorities for transport, this competition focuses on how AI can enhance passenger experience across the UK’s transport networks.
We are seeking innovative solutions in the form of use case proposals that address the most pressing challenges faced by passengers/transport users, aiming to create more reliable, efficient, and accessible transport systems.
Use case submissions for this competition must target a critical area where AI can make a meaningful impact in transport on passenger experience.
When submitting your application, you will be asked to select up to two of the government priorities below that your AI-driven solution best complements:
- Improving Performance on the Railways and Driving Forward Rail Reform
- Improving Bus Services and Growing Usage Across the Country
- Transforming Infrastructure to Promote Social Mobility and Tackle Regional Inequality
- Delivering Greener Transport
- Better Integrating Transport Networks
Further context and background information that will assist you with completing your application can be found in our Application Guidance Document.
Connected Places Catapult and the Department for Transport strongly recommend you read through this guidance document before submitting to ensure you best understand the scope of the competition and how to align your solution with the priorities outlined above.
Programme Phases
This is three-phrase programme with business support, pitching guidance and networking opportunities on offer as well as funding.
If you are accepted onto Phase One, you will receive up to £2,000 to develop your use case into an early-stage business case and pitch deck.
If you are accepted onto Phase Two, you will receive professional pitch training and will then pitch your solution to a panel of government representatives from the DfT.
If you are accepted onto Phase Three, you will receive up to £13,000 to further refine and develop the maturity of your business case, you will also pitch your solution to a panel of senior transport leaders at Connected Places Catapult’s Summit event on 19 March 2025.
Key Dates
What’s on offer to smes?
01
Innovation Funding
Funding to support the development of your business case, pitch deck and pitching opportunity
02
DfT Collaboration
Engage with policymakers to align your innovation with government priorities
03
Pitching Support
Access to professional guidance and coaching on how to best develop and pitch your use case
Eligibility criteria
- Applicant Type: Must be a UK-based SME.
- Technological Readiness Level (TRL): Your solution must be between TRL 2-6.
- Commitment: Participants must be available for the competition timeline.
How to apply
Applications are now closed.
Supporting documents
Point of contact
If you have any questions about the competition or application process, please contact the Innovation Funding team at innovation_funding@cp.catapult.org.uk
events
Innovation Zero 2024
The UK's largest net-zero congress
Event finished: 1st May 2024
We are delighted to once again participate in Innovation Zero, and we’re contributing to a number of sessions, including:
Andrew Chadwick, Ecosystem Director, Air Mobility & Airports, joining the Fuelling Flight: Hydrogen session on 1 May at 11:45.
Alison Young, Head of Global Investment, joining the session on Funding the Automotive Transformation, on 1 May at 12:25 in the Transport & Mobility Forum.
events
Connected North 2024
Delivering the North's Connected Future
Event finished: 23rd April 2024
We are hosting a Digital Twin Hub session on Day 1, 22 April at 2pm, titled ‘Digital twins driving innovation in the North – Explore innovative projects that look to catapult the North of the UK into a bright digital future’. Join Nury Moreira, Community Manager of Digital Twin Hub, and other speakers for an inspiring conversation.
events
UKREiiF 2024
The UK's Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum
Event finished: 23rd May 2024
This year, we are proud to host our own Pavilion, a place designed to showcase real innovation, and provide opportunities to connect with thought leaders, and UK and global peers.
To review our full Agenda of sessions and activities taking place over the three days and plan your visit, please head to the UKREiiF website > Programme tab > Download Programme or > Click on the Connected Places Catapult Pavilion dot to browse online.
Make sure to visit our Pavilion in Pavilion Square, we look forward to connecting with you in Leeds!
events
Interchange 2024
Be the Change
Event finished: 28th February 2024
Paul Wilson, our Chief Business Officer, is participating in the keynote panel titled ‘Transport as the key to people-centric, accessible, and sustainable urban spaces’ on 27 Feb, from 13:10 on the Keynote Stage.
Justin Anderson, Director of Digital Twin Hub, is delivering a presentation on connected digital twins as part of Interchange partner event Transforming Infrastructure Performance (TIP) Live, also on 27 Feb.
Come find us on the show floor and connect!
Register using code CPC24.
events
Open and Agile Smart Cities (OASC) Conference 2024
Become better connected
Event finished: 17th January 2024
We’re delighted to participate in the Open & Agile Smart Cities Conference. Make sure to visit our Connected Places Catapult stand on the show floor and to join the sessions our experts are participating in over the course of the two days.
articles
Digital twins summit makes the connection
Over 900 guests joined the Connected Digital Twins Summit either in person or online to hear industry specialists discuss latest developments, new technologies and next steps.
articles
Digital twins summit makes the connection
Over 900 guests joined the Connected Digital Twins Summit either in person or online to hear industry specialists discuss latest developments, new technologies and next steps.
articles
Digital twins summit makes the connection
Over 900 guests joined the Connected Digital Twins Summit either in person or online to hear industry specialists discuss latest developments, new technologies and next steps.
Connected digital twins offer excellent opportunities to improve the delivery of infrastructure construction and maintenance through a variety of technology platforms, an event heard the other week. But they also promise improved interactions between industry stakeholders and a better chance of engaging with the public positively over new proposals.
“By placing people at the centre, we can design and optimise systems to meet the needs of the individual,” said Dr Alison Vincent, the Chair of the Digital Twin Hub’s Strategic Board and a Non-Executive Director of Connected Places Catapult, in a keynote address to delegates at the Connected Digital Twins Summit.
“The result is a more open and collaborative digital twin ecosystem for the good of everyone, helping to improve health and wellbeing, mobility, access to essential resources, and economic opportunity.”
Platforms like the Digital Twin Hub, continued Alison, “have a role to play in bringing together people and expertise to focus on connecting digital twins, and to make sure the latest tools, guidance and programmes meet the needs of our communities.
“We are driven by our motto ‘learning through sharing and progressing by doing’ and our desire is to be the world-leading, go-to resource on digital twins. We aim to boost the strength of understanding and knowhow in the community with the drive and passion to innovate.”Dr Alison Vincent, the Chair of the Digital Twin Hub’s Strategic Board and a Non-Executive Director of Connected Places Catapult
The Connected Digital Twins Summit was opened by Transport Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, Jesse Norman who launched the Transport Research and Innovation Board online Transport Digital Twin Vision and Roadmap to 2035.
In addition, a new partnership with Cranfield University was announced to launch a CPD course in digital twin skills in October.
Providing the public with compelling stories
Several speakers throughout the day echoed the sentiments of Dr Alison Vincent around the need to use digital twins to bring people together.
Janet Greenwood, the Director of KPMG’s Infrastructure Advisory Group said that digital twins “have a massive role to play, particularly around storytelling” when it comes to explaining new proposals for the built environment for the benefit of the general public.
“What we are facing in the future are massive environmental and social changes. Being able to articulate a future vision and set out possible interventions to mitigate risks and make the most of opportunities are where digital twins have a key role.”
Janet later said that digital twins can help people to imagine what a future vision for an infrastructure development would look like, adding: “It is incumbent upon us as industry experts to be able to articulate a future vision.”
During a later session on digital skills and building capability within the DT Hub Working Group, Anglian Water Services’ Chief Data Officer, Matt Edwards spoke of the need to better communicate digital goals within organisations.
“Storytelling is such an important skill in our world, to help build business cases,” he said. “What we would really like to do is create guidance that helps any number of organisations learn how to become more comfortable communicating about opportunities through digital twins.”
Effective communication around the importance of using digital twins, he added, can help to “drive digital investment and engage the workforce at all levels. It is our job as leaders to make it happen.
“We are missing a trick if we aren’t showing business communities the art of the possible and showing them a window on the future.” Digital twin storytelling, added Matt, is about “making the narrative and the technologies accessible”.
Another advocate of promoting digital twins more thoroughly was Melissa Zanocco OBE of the Infrastructure Client Group and Co-Chair of the DT Hub Community Council. She told the Summit: “The power of storytelling is just as important as the digital skills. It is about being able to win hearts and minds and put everything into a language that others can understand.”
She added that digital professionals need to ensure they can “talk boardroom language, so that board-level people have the right information to make the decisions they need.”
Digital Twin Hub Director, Justin Anderson spoke of the group “fostering a collaborative space for members to exchange knowledge about digital twins and creating safe spaces to share knowledge about digital twins.
“Our role involves chronicling insights from various sources like community calls, work groups and panel discussions,” he said. “All of these insights are freely distributed among our members, creating a well-stocked repository of valuable resources.”
World Bank Senior Consultant and GeoEnable Director, Steven Eglinton agreed. “Communication is absolutely the single biggest thing for me.” People, he added, have varied skill sets and expertise about how to implement digital technology for infrastructure. “How we use digital twins incrementally will be the challenging part.” Connecting digital twins together, Steven added, promises to bring people together too.
Delegates to the Summit also heard from Innovate UK’s Head of Digital Twins, Simon Hart who spoke about six new cyber-physical infrastructure projects to accelerate innovation in the UK. He encouraged SMEs to engage with Innovate UK’s new ‘Innovation Hub’ and a newly launched ‘Moonshots for the UK’ initiative. Simon asked the audience to submit ideas for ‘moonshot’ projects that could help to accelerate research and development in the UK around digital twins. “We want to hear from the public if they have identified any gaps,” he said.
Transparency is the new gold
During another session on unleashing the power of connected twins, Kjell Eriksson of DNV remarked that while many people see ‘data as the new gold’, “maybe moving forwards transparency is the new gold”. In future, he added, “there will be increased demand for sharing what is going on”.
Fujitsu UK’s Centre for Cognitive Advanced Technologies’ Managing Director, Keith Dear remarked that digital twins could become “as profound a revolution as to how we interact with information as the introduction of the internet, and that will need a business model that doesn’t yet exist”.
Also at the event, Sarah Hayes, Engagement Lead for the Climate Resilience Demonstrator digital twin project CReDo remarked that climate change is the biggest challenge we face, but that we are not ready for extreme weather events caused by climate change.
However, she said that sharing data and collaboration across sectors will help to increase the resilience of critical infrastructure in response to climate change.
Sarah set out three industry challenges: the co-ordinated understanding of infrastructure interdependencies; data sharing across sectors; and co-ordinated strategic resilience planning and investment.
“This is all part of our journey towards connected digital twins, so we can share data through some sort of ecosystem distributed architecture we all need to develop,” she said.
Take the next steps in your digital twin journey with the Digital Twins for Senior Leaders course from the Digital Twin Hub, in partnership with Cranfield University.
The 8-week online course aims to help leaders and future leaders develop awareness, knowledge, and increase confidence to create solutions using digital twins. Register for the course, starting on 13 June.
events
Showcasing the Climate Resilience Demonstrator (CReDo) Webinar
Increasing climate resilience through cross-sector data sharing in a connected digital twin.
Event finished: 7th March 2023
We would be delighted if you could join us for the CReDo conference and webinar “Showcasing the Climate Resilience Demonstrator (CReDo) – Increasing climate resilience through cross-sector data sharing in a connected digital twin” on Tuesday 7 March 2023 from 10:00-12.00 to find out about progress in Phase 2 of the Climate Resilience Demonstrator (CReDo) project led by Connected Places Catapult. This event runs in place of the usual Digital Twin Hub Gemini Call.
Digital twins and data sharing initiatives can face many challenges. We will be looking at:
How to break down data siloes for cross-sector data sharing and bring the data together in a way that is scalable and extensible to other organisations, sectors, and regions
How to unlock the strategic use case for planning and investment in climate resilient infrastructure.
We will also be running a live demo of the latest version of CReDo and showing clips of the new CReDo Phase 2 film. The CReDo team will be on hand to answer your questions.
Register to hear more about the CReDo project and join us in spreading the word on how collaboration through connected digital twins can help take us on the path to net zero and adapt to climate change.
