KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The IOTA Foundation partners with Teesside University to implement TWIN technology, aiming to streamline UK trade processes.
- Outdated customs systems hinder UK trade, with 45% of firms citing them as major obstacles.
- Four UK Government officials join IOTA to pilot distributed ledger technology solutions, backed by £3.5 million in seed capital.
- Digital solutions could boost UK trade by £25 billion and save £224 billion in efficiency costs.
The IOTA Foundation has announced a partnership with Teesside University to implement TWIN technology in real-world processes as part of the Digital Trade Testbed. This initiative aims to streamline UK trade by providing faster and more accurate data, potentially transforming customs and border procedures.
Customs and border procedures have been identified as significant barriers to UK imports and exports, with 45% of UK firms citing these as major obstacles. Outdated systems and repetitive data entry contribute to inefficiencies, particularly affecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The IOTA Foundation, through its collaboration with Teesside University, seeks to address these challenges by deploying TWIN technology to create a more transparent and efficient trade infrastructure.
Government Support and Technological Integration
In a move that underscores institutional trust, four UK Government officials have been seconded to the IOTA Foundation for a year. These officials will work alongside IOTA’s team to pilot technology solutions based on IOTA’s distributed ledger technology. The initiative is backed by £3.5 million in Freeport seed capital, which supports early infrastructure development in special economic zones around ports.
The Digital Trade Testbed will integrate digital tools like the Trade Worldwide Information Network (TWIN) with physical solutions such as autonomous vehicles and geo-locating devices. Real-world deployment is set to occur at Teesside’s seaport and airport, aiming to enhance the efficiency of trade processes.
Addressing Trade Delays with Digital Solutions
Current international trade operations often suffer from outdated infrastructure, leading to delays and costly errors. The UK Government Border Trade Demonstrator trials in 2025 demonstrated that these delays are largely avoidable when supply chain data is shared digitally. By combining the UK Government’s open-source Information Sharing Network with TWIN, critical supply chain data reached UK authorities up to 20 hours earlier than under existing processes.
This earlier access to data allows border agencies to allocate resources more effectively, identifying non-compliant consignments while facilitating the smooth flow of legitimate trade. The economic impact of such digitalization is significant, with potential trade growth of £25 billion and efficiency savings of £224 billion, according to ICC UK’s roadmap.
Dominik Schiener, Co-founder and Chair of the IOTA Foundation, emphasized the need for improved trade processes, stating that the pilots with the UK Government have shown how digital infrastructure can enhance data access and efficiency.
For more details on this initiative, visit the IOTA Foundation’s announcement here.
Why This Matters: Impact, Industry Trends & Expert Insights
The IOTA Foundation’s partnership with Teesside University aims to enhance UK trade efficiency by implementing TWIN technology in the Digital Trade Testbed, potentially transforming customs and border procedures.
Recent industry reports indicate a surge in the global digital twin market, projected to grow from $17.7 billion in 2024 to $24.5 billion in 2025. This trend highlights the increasing importance of digital twins in enhancing efficiency and sustainability across various sectors. The integration of TWIN technology in the UK’s trade processes aligns with this trend, showcasing its potential to streamline operations and reduce inefficiencies.
As per insights from Dominik Schiener, Co-founder of IOTA, the focus on real-world applications and institutional adoption is crucial for addressing trade inefficiencies. This supports the initiative’s aim to create a more transparent and efficient trade infrastructure, enhancing the UK’s position in the global trade market.
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