In an increasingly technology‑driven world, digital twins have become a key tool for transforming strategic sectors such as healthcare, energy, and mobility. These virtual models replicate physical systems in real time, allowing organizations to simulate, analyze, and optimize processes with unprecedented precision.
What are digital twins and why do they matter today?
A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical object, system, or process that is continuously updated with real data. Enabled by technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing, these models make it possible to predict behaviors, anticipate failures, and personalize solutions.
In the field of personalized medicine, digital twins are revolutionizing the way treatments are designed, health is monitored, and clinical efficiency is improved. Since 2019, development in this field has grown exponentially, with more than 149 patent families registered in 2025, compared to fewer than ten in 2014.
A Rapidly Expanding Market
According to Data Bridge Market Research, the global market for digital twins in healthcare reached $1.57 billion in 2023, and is expected to surpass $36.46 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate of 48.2%.
This boom is largely driven by applications such as:
- Simulation of personalized treatments
- Optimization of clinical operations
- Predictive analysis of biomarkers
- Technology Trends and Intellectual Property
The main technological areas linked to digital twins include:
- G06F30: Digital data processing and computer‑aided design (CAD)
- G06Q10: ICT applied to administrative, commercial, and financial purposes
- G06N3: Computational models based on biological systems
- G06N20: Machine learning
- G06F18: Pattern recognition
Private companies currently lead the development and protection of these technologies, representing 58% of patent registrations, compared to 27% from universities and 15% from individual inventors.
Geostrategic Positioning
China accounts for 84% of new patent applications in this field, although it is important to consider potential “dumping” effects—filing a very high volume of patents often for strategic rather than technological reasons. Technologies with strong commercial potential tend to be protected across multiple jurisdictions, with the U.S., Europe, India, Canada, and Australia standing out as key markets.
Ultimately, these advancements are not only transforming personalized medicine—they are also reshaping how organizations manage innovation, protect intangible assets, and make data‑driven decisions. In a competitive, globalized environment, having a solid strategy for industrial property and technology intelligence is essential to harness the potential of digital twins and secure long‑term impact.
Ready to Explore the Potential of Digital Twins in Your Organization?
At ClarkeModet, our Consultancy team supports you in identifying, protecting, and capturing value from emerging technologies such as digital twins. Contact us to design a strategy that turns your innovation into a sustainable competitive advantage.