DIGITAL TWINS AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY AS DRIVERS OF SUSTAINABLE REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
Abstract
This article examines how digital twins and circular economy principles can be integrated to accelerate sustainable regional industrial development. The study treats a digital twin as a dynamic virtual representation of industrial assets, processes and material flows, while circular economy is interpreted as a system that reduces virgin resource use, extends product life and recovers value from waste. Using an IMRAD structure, the research combines literature analysis, process mapping, indicator grouping, a five-point maturity assessment and conceptual modelling. A Sustainable Digital-Circular Transformation Index is proposed to evaluate four dimensions: resource efficiency, circularity, social capability and governance transparency. The results show that the greatest value is created when real-time operational data are connected with decisions on energy use, predictive maintenance, reverse logistics, industrial symbiosis and sustainability disclosure. The article presents three tables and three analytical diagrams that can be adapted by regional industrial enterprises and public authorities. The proposed framework supports cost reduction, resilience, decent work, climate action and transparent management, while also identifying risks related to data quality, cybersecurity, workforce skills and investment capacity.
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