Bologna is pioneering the development of a Civic Digital Twin (CDT), a dynamic digital representation of the city that integrates real-time data to enhance urban planning, governance, and citizen engagement. This initiative aims to address contemporary urban challenges through innovative, data driven solutions.
Understanding the Civic Digital Twin
The Civic Digital Twin is an advanced digital model that mirrors Bologna’s physical, social, and environmental landscapes. It collects and processes data from various sources, including sensors, public records, and citizen inputs, to simulate and analyze urban dynamics. This enables city officials and stakeholders to make informed decisions, anticipate challenges, and implement effective policies.
Objectives of the Civic Digital Twin
The primary goals of Bologna’s CDT include:
A. Enhanced Decision-Making: Utilizing real-time data to inform policy decisions and urban planning.
B. Citizen Engagement: Fostering participatory governance by involving residents in the decision-making process.
C. Sustainability: Addressing climate change and promoting sustainable urban development.
D. Transparency: Ensuring open access to data and fostering trust between the government and citizens.
Key Components and Collaborators
The CDT project is a collaborative effort involving several key partners:
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Municipality of Bologna: Strategic coordinator overseeing the project’s implementation.
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Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK): Technical coordinator and project manager responsible for data integration and AI development.
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University of Bologna: Scientific manager providing research and academic support.
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CINECA: Technological manager handling computational infrastructure.
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Fondazione Innovazione Urbana: Community manager facilitating stakeholder engagement and public participation.
Use Cases of the Civic Digital Twin
The CDT is being applied across various domains to improve urban life:
A. Mobility
The CDT analyzes traffic patterns and transportation systems to optimize mobility. It supports initiatives like the “30 km/h zone” policy, aiming to reduce accidents and pollution. The tool also assists in planning public transportation routes and infrastructure.
B. Energy
By evaluating the city’s energy consumption, the CDT identifies inefficiencies and suggests sustainable solutions. It aids in designing policies to optimize energy use and reduce environmental impact.
C. Urban Planning
The CDT serves as a valuable resource for urban development, helping to plan neighborhoods and manage emergencies. It supports the municipality in making data-driven decisions for city growth.
D. Climate Change
In response to environmental challenges, the CDT focuses on climate resilience. It models scenarios related to flooding and hydrogeological instability, aiding in disaster preparedness and mitigation.
Ethical Considerations and Data Governance
Bologna’s CDT emphasizes ethical data use and democratic governance. The project ensures compliance with EU regulations on privacy and data protection. It also addresses ethical challenges related to AI and machine learning algorithms, promoting transparency and accountability.
Citizen Participation and Open Knowledge
The CDT encourages active citizen involvement through:
A. Public Dialogues: Organizing events and discussions to gather community input.
B. Co-Design Workshops: Collaborating with residents to design and implement urban solutions.
C. Open Data Access: Providing transparent access to data and findings.
These initiatives aim to create a sense of ownership among citizens and foster a collaborative approach to city development.
International Collaboration
Bologna has partnered with Barcelona to develop urban digital twins, sharing expertise and resources. This collaboration aims to standardize data practices and promote evidence-based policymaking across European cities.
Future Prospects
The Civic Digital Twin represents a significant step toward smarter, more inclusive urban governance. By integrating technology, data, and citizen participation, Bologna is setting a precedent for cities worldwide to follow.
