From Code to Cargo: A Bibliometric Mapping of the Metaverse Revolution in Supply Chain Management

Abstract Once a notion confined to science fiction, the metaverse is rapidly becoming a transformative digital reality, merging virtual and physical spaces through advanced technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things. This study investigates the metaverse’s disruptive potential within supply chain management, where it enables real-time monitoring, immersive simulations, and virtual marketplaces: reshaping operational efficiency, transparency, and strategic decision-making. Using a hybrid methodology that combines bibliometric analysis via the Bibliometrix package in R Studio and network-based content analysis through VOSviewer, the study maps the evolution of academic discourse in this field. A significant rise in scholarly output was observed in 2023, reflecting accelerating global interest. The analysis identifies leading countries such as the United States, Germany, and China, along with top-contributing institutions like Chang Gung University and Sungkyunkwan University. Prominent themes include “virtual reality,” “augmented reality,” and “digital twins,” signaling the growing integration of immersive technologies into SCM processes. Uniquely, this study is among the first to systematically chart the intellectual structure of metaverse research in SCM, providing a foundational lens for future inquiry. The findings pave the way for interdisciplinary collaboration, theory development, and practical models for sustainable and ethical metaverse adoption.