Identifying the requirements of digital twins in providing public services: A systematic review

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD in Information Technology Management Management and Accounting College. University Of Allameh Tabataba’I, Tehran/ Iran

2 Master of Information Technology Management Management College. University Of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan/ Iran

Abstract
In recent years, the emerging technology of digital twins has garnered significant attention in public services. However, using digital twins effectively in public services requires identifying their requirements. Therefore, the present study aims to identify the requirements for using digital twins in public services. To conduct the research, we used a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines. Accordingly, we searched English-language documents from 2016 to 2026 in two databases: Web of Science and Scopus. In the first stage, we identified 1204 articles; after screening, full-text review, and evaluation using the Kitchenham checklist, we selected 16 articles for the final review. In addition, the study used thematic analysis to analyze the findings. This study used a qualitative systematic review approach. The findings indicated that digital twin requirements in public services fell into four main categories: technical, data, operational, and social. The results also indicate that digital twins in public services should not be regarded merely as a technological solution, but as a socio-technical mechanism that requires alignment among technology, institutions, and society. By providing a comprehensive framework of digital twin requirements, this research can serve as a basis for policymakers, government managers, and researchers to design, implement, and institutionalize this technology in the public sector.


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 10 October 2026

  • Receive Date 12 May 2026
  • Revise Date 14 September 2026
  • Accept Date 03 October 2026