Navigating urban complexity: The transformative role of digital twins in smart city development

This research systematically explores the burgeoning field of Digital Twins (DTs) within smart cities’ framework and urban development. Anchored by three research questions, the study delineates the theoretical underpinnings and practical implications of DTs at a city scale. It delves into the structure, operational dynamics, and diverse applications in various urban domains supported by case studies. Through a structured methodology employing the PRISMA framework, it includes an analysis of 64 pertinent studies from an initial pool of 519. The research synthesis highlights the dynamic nature of DTs, their multifaceted technological layers, and their instrumental role in shaping sustainable urban futures. Despite the promising outlook, the study also highlights several technological and real-world hurdles that need to be addressed to fully unlock the capabilities of DTs within urban environments.