Learn how digitalization and virtual twins are shaping the future of global infrastructure projects
Infrastructure forms the backbone of our society, supporting essential functions such as transportation, healthcare, water supply, and energy distribution. As populations grow and urbanization accelerates, so does the need for more efficient, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure.
The challenge lies in bridging the gap between current infrastructure capabilities and future demands while minimizing the financial, environmental and societal risks associated with large-scale projects. Dassault Systèmes is playing a critical role in addressing this challenge through its digital solutions.
The Infrastructure Challenge
According to the World Economic Forum, there is a projected $15 trillion funding gap for global infrastructure needs by 2040. This immense shortfall reflects the increasing cost and complexity of both upgrading existing infrastructure and delivering new projects.
The need for capital project delivery to be on time and within budget is more critical than ever, yet the reality is starkly different. Sectors like railways, roads and real estate frequently face delays of up to 80% or more compared to their original estimates. Cost overruns are similarly alarming, often exceeding the original quotes by 40% to 160%.
This combination of delays and budget overruns creates significant financial uncertainty, deterring much-needed investment. Addressing these inefficiencies is not just a matter of improving project management; it requires a fundamental shift in how infrastructure is designed, planned, executed and even operated and maintained. That’s where digital technologies such as virtual twins come into play.
The Power of Virtual Twins
Virtual twins – digital replicas of physical assets, processes or systems – have emerged as a game-changing tool in infrastructure development. With its virtual twin technology, Dassault Systèmes has been enabling industries to simulate, test and optimize the performance of infrastructure projects throughout their lifecycle. By implementing virtual twins, companies can create highly detailed, real-time digital representations of infrastructure, as well as plan, manage and maintain assets more effectively.
Using virtual twins improves development coordination, reduces risks and lays the foundation for long-term management and maintenance frameworks. According to KPMG, for every dollar invested in a virtual twin, infrastructure developers can expect to save up to nine dollars in costs. This is a significant advantage to increase project viability and attract investment.
Building Resilience and Sustainability
Resilience is more than just the ability to withstand shocks; it is about adapting to changing conditions over time. With climate change increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, infrastructure must account for environmental unpredictability. Virtual twins offer the ability to simulate various environmental conditions, providing engineers and project managers with the data they need to anticipate and mitigate potential risks.
Sustainable infrastructure is also key to reducing the environmental impact of construction and operations. Virtual twins help optimize resource use, reduce waste and ensure that new projects align with sustainability targets.
A Path Forward for Infrastructure
Delivering resilient, sustainable and efficient infrastructure is one of the most significant challenges of our time. Dassault Systèmes’ virtual twins are paving the way for a future where infrastructure projects are less risky, more sustainable and delivered on time and within budget. By embracing these technologies, we can ensure that global infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of a rapidly changing world.