Techniques for Assessing Community Technology Readiness for Rural Development: Planning for Community Readiness Using Digital Twins
This research project aims to advance rural transportation planning by developing a Digital Twin framework to assess emerging technology readiness. Rural and small-town regions, typically with populations under 50,000, face distinct challenges such as infrastructure limitations, economic constraints, and limited planning capacity. To address these issues, the project will enhance the Tool for Assessing Community Technology Readiness (TACT-R) by integrating advanced data-driven methodologies that support scenario-based planning, disruption analysis, and informed decision-making. The Digital Twin will serve as a dynamic, virtual representation of rural transportation infrastructure. It will enable users to simulate infrastructure improvements, assess the impacts of disruptions, and evaluate the deployment of emerging technologies. Community engagement will be supported through an interactive deliberation dashboard that allows planners, agency staff, and local stakeholders to collaborate on scenario testing and investment planning. Deliverables will include a validated Digital Twin model, simulation scenarios, interactive dashboards, user manuals, and training materials to support future deployment and long-term technology adoption in rural areas. The Digital Twin and its components will be integrated into the TACT-R website and the Center for Regional and Rural Connected Communities (CR2C2) website, which will serve as the primary platform for knowledge dissemination, stakeholder engagement, and implementation support.
Language
- English
Project
- Status: Active
- Funding: $687,651.00
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Contract Numbers:
69A3552348304
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Sponsor Organizations:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
University Transportation Centers Program
Department of Transportation
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Managing Organizations:
Center for Regional and Rural Connected Communities
North Carolina A&T State University
1601 East Market Street
Greensboro, NC United States 27411 -
Project Managers:
Khattak, Asad
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Performing Organizations:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville,North Carolina A&T State University
1601 E Market St
GREENSBORO, NC United States 27411 Boca Raton, Lexington, -
Principal Investigators:
Khattak, Asad
Everett , Jerry
Pandey, Venktesh
Nagarajan , Sudhagar
Zhang, Xu
Ahmed , Usman
- Start Date: 20250601
- Expected Completion Date: 20270531
- Actual Completion Date: 0
- USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Decision support systems; Digital twins; Infrastructure; Public participation; Rural areas; Simulation; Technology adoption; Transportation planning
- Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Planning and Forecasting; Transportation (General);
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01973290
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Center for Regional and Rural Connected Communities
- Contract Numbers: 69A3552348304
- Files: UTC, RIP
- Created Date: Dec 2 2025 3:05PM