International collaboration is a powerful catalyst for urban innovation. A prime example is the ongoing partnership between Birmingham and Ulsan, Republic of Korea, fostered through the UK-RoK Innovation Twins Programme. This initiative, partly funded by the DIATOMIC (Digital Innovation TransfOrMative Change) programme, aims to tackle shared city challenges by uniting academia, industry, and civic leaders.
A significant outcome of this collaboration is the report on establishing a city-wide data exchange, a cornerstone of the partnership’s Smart Cities workstream. Developed through joint research between Aston University, Birmingham City Council, and the University of Ulsan, the report evaluates strategies for creating a cohesive urban intelligence framework.
At its core, the research recommends establishing a Federated Digital Twin (FDT) for Birmingham. This innovative approach involves creating a decentralised system where multiple independent digital twins, virtual models of city assets like traffic systems or energy grids, can securely share data and insights. The goal is to enable seamless collaboration across different sectors, enhancing urban planning, environmental monitoring, and public services without compromising data sovereignty.
The report explores the technical architecture required to build this platform, focusing on interoperability, scalability, and robust governance to ensure data is secure and usable. This foundational work not only demonstrates the tangible benefits of the city-to-city partnership but also provides a good practice template for other regions.
By leveraging international expertise and the support of DIATOMIC, Birmingham is paving the way for a more integrated, responsive, and intelligent urban environment, strengthening its position as a leading digital city.
