Guidance
Digital twin definition
Guidance on what a digital twin is and how to make sure they can easily work together with other digital twins.
Documents
Details
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has created a definition of a digital twin.
The UK government and the National Digital Twin Programme have worked together and agreed on this definition which is supported by defence. This will encourage the use of digital twins and help people create them in ways that are safe, secure and ethical.
We have included an official and an easy-read version of the definition.
Updates to this page
Published 29 October 2025