he concept of what many understand today as a digital twin has been around for several years under many guises, from model-based optimization to structural reanalysis systems. Recent developments in digital technology have enabled these virtual depictions of systems or physical assets to be used in decision-making processes and other activities that had not been possible in the past. While the definition of what a digital twin is and what it is not is relatively wide, the consensus is that it allows system information to be available to predict performance through integrated models with the purpose of providing decision support. Rather than think of a digital twin as a monolith, DNV GL believes it should be considered a collection of elements or components, of various levels of sophistication, each with their own distinct role and function

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