Factors Influencing Adoption of Digital Twin Advanced Technologies for Smart City Development: Evidence from Malaysia

Abstract

Digital Twin Technology (DTT) has gained significant attention as a vital technology for the efficient management of smart cities. However, its successful implementation in developing countries is often hindered by several barriers. Despite limited research available on smart city development in Malaysia, there is a need to investigate the possible challenges that could affect the effective implementation of DTT in the country. This study employs a mixed methodology research design, comprising an interview, a pilot survey, and the main survey. Firstly, we identified barriers reported in the literature and excluded insignificant factors through interviews. Next, we conducted an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) on the pilot survey results to further refine the factors. Finally, we performed a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis on the main survey data to develop a model that identifies barriers to DTT implementation in smart city development in Malaysia. Our findings suggest the presence of 13 highly significant barriers, which are divided into four formative constructs. We found that personalization barriers are highly crucial, while operational barriers were less important for DTT implementation in smart city development in Malaysia.

Exploring the Contribution of Advanced Systems in Smart City Development for the Regeneration of Urban Industrial Heritage

“…Since the power of official institutions is predominantly derived from government appointments, it is suggested to strengthen the urban management system in Chengdu by transferring power from the government and its affiliated organizations to the municipality and the city council. This transfer of power should address the relationship system, power sources, and the extent of authority of government actors in the city management arena, which is currently influenced by the concentration of power in the central government [26][27][28][29]. The weakening of urban management is caused by the limited delegation of legal duties and powers to local institutions, despite their apparent material and financial resources.…”

“…However, the official determination of the scope of deteriorated urban areas in Iran is based on council approval for urban planning and architecture, utilizing three indicators: the fineness of the fabric, building density, and structural instability. It raises the question of whether these physical indicators alone are sufficient for identifying worn-out areas or if additional indicators should be considered for renovation purposes [28][29][30][31][32]. It appears imperative to include social and economic indicators alongside physical indicators to comprehensively identify and rank these areas.…”

“…Both vertical and horizontal policies should establish lucid decision making frameworks at each level to ensure cohesive planning and management. Secondly, functional differentiation occurs when the planning and provision of urban services, specific to local functions and responsibilities, are fragmented among multiple institutions, organizations, and boards [25][26][27][28][29].…”

“…Additionally, organizations and technology companies should prioritize informing the public about information security measures and their responsible use of data. Access to necessary infrastructure and the high cost of technology adoption pose barriers to achieving one of the primary goals of utilizing smart technologies: improving the quality of life for individuals and society [25][26][27][28][29]. These factors contribute to social discrimination and exacerbate inequality within a society.…”

“…This theory provides a novel approach to analyzing the roles and power dynamics of different actors in urban politics. The primary objective of this theoretical framework is to understand how rival groups align with each other to achieve their goals in public policy, which highlights the significance of the concept of governance [26][27][28]. Governance encompasses the decision-making process, the selection of decisions to implement (or not), and the formal and informal actors and structures that hold decision-making power and shape policy outcomes.…”