Open Innovation, AI Water-Tech and Digital Twin: An Inconspicuous Emerging Phenomenon

Digital twin technology, a virtual replica of a physical system, is revolutionising the water sector. By creating detailed digital models of water infrastructure, such as pipelines, reservoirs, and treatment plants, water utilities can simulate various scenarios, optimise operations, and predict potential issues. Open innovation in this context involves collaboration between diverse stakeholders, including utilities, technology providers, researchers, and communities, to develop and share innovative solutions. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, open innovation can accelerate the development and deployment of digital twin solutions, leading to more efficient, resilient, and sustainable water management.

- By Sonika Jha

Digital twin open innovation in water tech enables the co-creation of innovative solutions that address pressing water challenges. By combining the expertise and resources of multiple stakeholders, organisations can develop advanced analytics tools, machine learning algorithms, and IoT sensors to enhance water monitoring, forecasting, and decision-making. This collaborative approach can also foster the development of open-source platforms and standards, promoting interoperability and accelerating the adoption of digital twin technology across the water industry. Ultimately, digital twin open innovation has the potential to transform water management, leading to improved water quality, reduced water loss, and enhanced resilience to climate change and other challenges.

Digital twins could contribute to water conservation by generating a digital current, which is a constant flow of real-time data and insights that assist in redefining how we currently manage water systems. Without the need for expensive physical testing, digital twins can provide virtual representations of real-world systems or things that can be subjected to various virtual situations and scenarios. This allows for the real-time making of precise and strategic data-driven decisions. Businesses such as innovative and tech-driven start-ups can gain priceless insights into past, current, and future situations as a result.