Social Digital Twin (SDT) for Societal Security and Preparedness
Norwegian municipalities are responsible for protecting life, health, and critical societal functions when crises occur. At the same time, it is challenging to plan for complex events such as large-scale evacuations, simultaneous crises, or prolonged incidents. Such scenarios are difficult to practise in real life.
In this project, we develop a social digital twin, a digital model of a local community that enables municipalities to plan, test, and practise complex preparedness scenarios in a more systematic way.
A social digital twin is a virtual model in which residents, infrastructure, and services are represented in a realistic but anonymous manner. Instead of personal data, synthetic populations are used to statistically reflect settlement and mobility patterns. This makes it possible to analyse how incidents unfold under different timings, locations, and combinations of crises.
The project is carried out through close collaboration between researchers and municipalities. Bergen, Tromsø, and Vadsø participate as partner municipalities. One example is evacuation in urban areas where many people must be relocated within a short time. With a social digital twin, scenarios can be rapidly varied by changing location, timing, and assumptions, providing better insight into consequences and response options.
Researchers develop the technology, while municipalities test it in their own working processes, including preparedness planning.
Preliminary studies indicate faster scenario development, improved understanding of consequences for life and health, new opportunities to explore alternative actions, and increased learning across sectors. The aim is to strengthen the basis for decision-making before crises occur.
Climate change, geopolitical uncertainty, and increasing societal complexity place new demands on preparedness. Digital tools that enable training for previously difficult events can strengthen municipalities’ ability to respond quickly and effectively.
Project Facts
Status
Active
Duration
01.05.26 - 30.04.29
Coordinating Institution
NORCE
Funding
Research Council of Norway (RCN)
