At BIPED, we’re all about making Positive Energy Districts a reality through smart, sustainable innovation. That’s why we’re excited to highlight Decide Better: Open and Interoperable Local Digital Twins, a new book launched this March 2025 by the Open & Agile Smart Cities & Communities (OASC) network, in collaboration with Digital Flanders.
What makes this especially relevant for the BIPED community? in addition to OASC, two of our own from DRI (Digital Resilience Institute)) were directly involved as editors and authors, shaping this landmark publication.
Why It Matters
Local Digital Twins (LDTs) are changing how cities work. These dynamic, real-time digital models help urban leaders simulate and test decisions before they impact real people. From energy flows to mobility to citizen engagement, LDTs are providing the tools we need to design more efficient, resilient, and people-focused places.
That’s exactly what Decide Better explores. Drawing on experience from EU-funded projects the book brings together case studies, frameworks, and expert insights on building open, ethical, and interoperable LDTs.
Lieven Raes, Advisor at Digital Flanders and the book’s chief editor, put it simply:
“This book showcases Europe’s leadership in digital innovation. We want to support others in adopting open and scalable strategies for urban transformation.”
Practical Tools for Real-World Impact
This isn’t just a theoretical read. The book is packed with practical advice on creating governance frameworks, aligning with legal and ethical standards, and scaling LDT solutions across sectors. For projects like BIPED focused on creating energy-positive, digitally integrated districts, this kind of interdisciplinary knowledge is essential.
It also touches on how LDTs support evidence-based decision-making in areas like climate adaptation, infrastructure planning, and citizen participation, all critical for making Positive Energy Districts not just smart, but sustainable and inclusive.
A Collaborative Effort
The editorial team—Lieven Raes, Susie Ruston McAleer, Ingrid Croket, Pavel Kogut, Martin Brynskov, and Stefan Lefever—bring a mix of policy, academic, and delivery experience. With additional chapters authored by experts from across Europe, the book bridges theory and real-world practice in a way that’s accessible and actionable.
Get the Local Digital Twins Book
Decide Better is freely available as an open-access resource on Springer’s website:👉 Download the book here
At BIPED, we see this as an important step forward in aligning digital and energy transitions. If you're working on digital infrastructure, urban planning, or sustainable energy, this book should be on your radar.
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