Since 2017, Digital Twins (DTs) have gained prominence in academic research, with researchers actively conceptualising, prototyping, and implementing DT applications across disciplines. The transformative potential of DTs has also attracted significant private sector investment, leading to substantial advancements in their development. However, their adoption in politics and public administration remains limited. While governments fund extensive DT research, their application in governance is often seen as a long-term prospect rather than an immediate priority, hindering their integration into decision-making and policy implementation. This study bridges the gap between theoretical discussions and practical adoption of DTs in governance. Using the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) frameworks, we analyse key barriers to adoption, including technological immaturity, limited institutional readiness, and scepticism regarding practical utility. Our research combines a systematic literature review of DT use cases with a case study of Germany, a country characterised by its federal governance structure, strict data privacy regulations, and strong digital innovation agenda. Our findings show that while DTs are widely conceptualised and prototyped in research, their use in governance remains scarce, particularly within federal ministries. Institutional inertia, data privacy concerns, and fragmented governance structures further constrain adoption. We conclude by emphasising the need for targeted pilot projects, clearer governance frameworks, and improved knowledge transfer to integrate DTs into policy planning, crisis management, and data-driven decision-making.      «

Since 2017, Digital Twins (DTs) have gained prominence in academic research, with researchers actively conceptualising, prototyping, and implementing DT applications across disciplines. The transformative potential of DTs has also attracted significant private sector investment, leading to substantial advancements in their development. However, their adoption in politics and public administration remains limited. While governments fund extensive DT research, their application in governance is of...     »