ABSTRACT. This study focuses on the use of digital twin (DT) technologies in the development of smart cities, which is specifically related to predictive maintenance, resource use, and sustainability. This integrates real-time data, predictive analytics, and simulation models to develop better management and integration of urban systems. The application of digital twins enables the urban challenges of infrastructure underperformance, overconsumption of resources, and environmental durability to be addressed. The research explains how using predictive maintenance through digital twins will reduce the overall time the infrastructure is out of work and the costs related to it. The paper makes practical suggestions as well, such as creating proper data link infrastructures, developing PPP projects, and making training and skill development activities a major focus. This paper argues that digital twins should be placed at the heart of smart city projects for the reason that they provide the best tools for city management, city maintenance, and even resource optimization during future growth.
JEL codes: O18; P25; Q01; Q56

Keywords: digital twin technology; smart cities; predictive maintenance; sustainable development; resource optimization; urban management; real-time data integration

How to cite: Popescu, G. H., Poliak, M., Ciurlău, C. F., Ćurčić, N., Bogdan, A. (2023). “Harnessing the Power of Digital Twin Technologies for Smart Cities: Pioneering Real-Time Urban Management, Predictive Maintenance, and Sustainable Development Strategies,” Journal of Self-Governance and Management Economics 11(3): 42–69. doi: 10.22381/jsme11320232.

Received 12 May 2023 • Received in revised form 25 September 2023
Accepted 27 September 2023 • Available online 30 September 2023