Project Management of Parallel Mega-Projects in the Green Transition: A Study of the Role of the Digital Twin within the Framework of Luleå Industrial Park

In northern Sweden, a massive transformation towards a green industrial revolution is underway, marked by investments of an incredible 1 trillion Swedish kronor.

This ambitious endeavor gives rise to complex challenges for municipal planning and requires collaboration among a variety of actors, both national and international.

As cities face new questions and challenges related to climate impact, it becomes important to balance different values and consider various interests in decision-making.Within the green industrial exhibition in northern Sweden, the label "megaproject" is being put to the test.

These projects require extensive infrastructure development and advanced coordination, especially in regions like Luleå where rapid industrial and urban development are on the agenda.

The question is: How can these megaprojects, involving a multitude of actors, interests, and timelines, be effectively planned and coordinated to promote industrial initiatives while continuously considering economic, social, environmental, and climate-related values and consequences?Here, the concept of digital twins emerges as a potential tool to facilitate these municipal processes.

Digital twins are seen as tools in the planning process, addressing challenges with project and construction coordination. However, the integration and appropriate use of them in municipal planning are still uncertain.

This groundbreaking research project examines the role of digital twins in the governance and management of parallel megaprojects within municipal processes, focusing on Luleå industrial park.

The green transition includes industrial establishments linked to fossil-free steel production, advancements in battery manufacturing, and the production and distribution of hydrogen.Luleå industrial park emerges as a fascinating case study with its complex challenges and multifaceted significance for the region´s and nation´s green transition.

The project focuses on exploring the potential of digital twins for project management and governance, using an existing digital twin developed by Luleå municipality as the basis for the study.

The goal is to investigate how this technology can support fact-based decision-making in project management during the planning of the green transition, as well as how it affects and challenges current competencies and practices.

Skill enhancement in the green transition and understanding how digitization and new technology can be used for decision-making will be crucial, not only for survival but also for success in the new green era in northern Sweden.The project take its starting point from the identified gap that upscaling digital twins not only requires the right technology and data but also challenges established working methods and requires collaboration across administrative boundaries.

It will explore the use of digitization, especially digital twins, as transparent and fact-based decision support in the green transition.

It is a journey to understand how technology can help manage goal conflicts and create collaboration among different stakeholders such as municipalities, industries, and communities.The purpose is to explore and assess the potential and limitations of digital twins for project management and governance of large-scale industrial projects from a municipal perspective.

The research will aim to promote dialogue and collaboration among various stakeholders and balance different values and interests within the green transition.

In the longer term, the results are expected to support public actors in the green industrial transition and contribute to reducing Sweden´s overall carbon footprint.

By addressing the theme areas of Value Chains and Business Models as well as Knowledge and Competence in Smart Built Environment, the project aims to create a positive impact on society.Ultimately, this project is not just a journey into the heart of the green industrial revolution in northern Sweden.

It is a journey that expl