Systematization of scientific knowledge on digital twins: Assessing their potential in the innovation economy

Purpose: to systematize scientific knowledge about digital twins (DT), considering their potential as a tool for digital modernization of socio-economic systems within the innovation-driven economy, with an emphasis on identifying key trends, terminological discrepancies, and factors of interdisciplinary development. Methods: the methodological basis includes bibliometric, comparative, and content analysis of publications indexed in ScienceDirect and eLibrary (2000–2024). Classification, systematization, thematic modeling, and interpretation were applied. The analysis considered quantitative and qualitative indicators: publication dynamics, terminology, disciplinary orientation, and national research traditions. Results: a steady growth of publications was established, especially over the past 5 years. Most studies are concentrated in engineering, computer science, and medicine, reflecting the technological orientation of the discourse. Differences between international and domestic publications were found in terminology, priorities, levels of interdisciplinarity, indicating asynchronous development and limiting transfer of engineering solutions into the socio-economic sphere. A classification of application areas and a taxonomy of implementation methods of digital twins were developed, supporting terminology unification and guiding applied research. At the same time, significant untapped potential was revealed in managerial and organizational-economic practices – from logistics and maintenance to strategic planning and sectoral digital programs – making digital twins an important instrument of modernization in the innovative economy. Conclusions and Relevance: the analysis confirmed the high potential of digital twins for integration into management processes, strategic planning, and industry programs within the innovation-driven economy. The practical significance of the study lies in creating a unified knowledge base for strategic management and modernization of the innovative economy. The future research should focus on terminology institutionalization, development of interdisciplinary models, and empirical case studies of technology implementation.