Digital Twin for Sustainable Supply Chain in Urban Development: A Conceptual Model for Smart Cities

The rapid urbanization of the 21st century has intensified the need for innovative solutions to address sustainability supply chain challenges in urban environments. Digital Twin (DT) technology, characterized by its ability to create virtual replicas of physical systems and integrate real-time data, has emerged as a transformative tool in smart city development. This study proposes a conceptual framework that explores the role of DT technology in promoting sustainable supply chains in urban development by aligning environmental, economic, and social dimensions with urban governance. By integrating insights from sustainability science, cyber-physical systems, and smart city initiatives, the framework highlights how DTs can optimize urban systems, improve decision-making, and foster inclusivity. Additionally, it addresses key challenges such as data privacy, interoperability, and scalability, offering a roadmap for future research and implementation. The findings emphasize the potential of DTs to create resilient, efficient, and equitable urban ecosystems, bridging gaps in existing research and providing actionable guidance for policymakers, urban planners, supply chain practitioners and industry stakeholders striving to shape sustainable cities of the future.