Five Steps for Digital Collaboration in Industrial Clusters 2025

7CASE STUDY 2 Open data and smart visualization help overcome data-collaboration barriers In complex industrial projects, data-sharing barriers can stall progress. The Zero Carbon Humber (ZCH) project in the UK tackled this by leveraging public data to map hydrogen demand and key infrastructure needs in the region. Instead of requesting sensitive data upfront, the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), Microsoft, Avanade and Accenture used digital visualization to illustrate the ecosystem, helping stakeholders see opportunities without sharing sensitive information. Validation workshops were conducted to refine data and insights, enabling more accurate analysis and fostering a trust-based approach that streamlined decision-making. Public data and smart visualization simplify collaboration. By mapping the ecosystem first, we engaged stakeholders faster, built trust and drove informed decisions – without compromising sensitive information. Victor Guang Shi, Supply Chain Resilience Lead, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), University of Sheffield Zero Carbon Humber: Digital twin for shared H2 infrastructure Background and objectives Digital technologies Results The ZCH Digital Twin models green and blue hydrogen and CCS-enabled decarbonization scenarios to assess infrastructure and supply chain impacts in the Humber region. Leveraging open data from the Open Data Initiative (ODI) to power the digital test-bed accelerator, the project supports data- driven decision making in reaching the UK’s net-zero goals and provides visibility for supply chain and industrial development opportunities. –Digital Twins and Simulation Technologies are used to model and optimize H2 infrastructure, carbon storage and system-wide integration across the cluster –Visualization and Collaboration Platforms help local communities and government stakeholders understand the project’s benefitsThe project has brought various benefits: –Improved stakeholder engagement providing precise data highlighting the economic, social and supply chain benefits of hydrogen investments in the region. This facilitated informed discussions with government and regulators –Assessed over 300 manufacturing companies across 728 components required for the project; seven manufacturing areas were found to provide significant investment opportunity through capacity scale-up –The digital testbed project was recognized by the ZCH consortium members as a potential replicable model for decarbonising other industrial clusters Source: Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), University of Sheffield.