On April 24, 2025, Professor Stephan Onggo from the Southampton Business School, University of Southampton (UK), was invited to deliver a lecture at the “Nankai Institute of Economics and Social Development Academic Forum.” His presentation, titled “Digital Twin Simulation for Decision-making in Operations Management,” was hosted by Assistant Professor Wu Xiaofan from the Modern Logistics Research Center. Faculty and students from the logistics discipline attended the event.
Professor Onggo began with an introduction to the definition and characteristics of digital twins, comparing them with traditional simulation models and highlighting their transformative value in enabling real-time, data-driven decision-making in operations management. He then presented a series of case studies—including intelligent scheduling at the Port of Singapore, optimization in Rolls-Royce’s aircraft engine manufacturing, iterative design parameters for ships, and risk simulation in autonomous driving systems—to systematically demonstrate how digital twin modeling can solve complex decision-making challenges. In conclusion, he summarized the academic evolution of research in the digital twin field and identified current challenges such as data availability, cost, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
During the interactive session, students and faculty engaged in a lively discussion about the boundaries and potential applications of digital twin technology.
Professor Stephan Onggo is the Associate Editor of the internationally renowned Journal of Simulation and a former Chair of the Simulation Special Interest Group of The Operational Research Society (UK). He has long focused on simulation modeling, real-time decision simulation (digital twins), and interdisciplinary research in fields such as supply chains and healthcare.
The Nankai Institute of Economics and Social Development Academic Forum has been an academic exchange platform since its establishment in 2021. Each session invites distinguished scholars to engage in discussions and is open to all faculty and students in both online and offline formats. Through this lecture series, the institute fosters communication and collaboration across academic communities, while expanding the academic horizons of faculty and students and enhancing the institute’s scholarly influence.
