Metaverse applications in supply chain: a review of related literature and a preliminary investigation

Purpose The study aims to identify key themes, research gaps and future pathways in metaverse research within supply chain (SC) management. Design/methodology/approach The study employed an extensive literature review and qualitative interviews with representatives from five organisations that had either implemented or planned to implement metaverse technology in their organisations. Findings The thematic analysis uncovered the themes, including enabling technologies, applications, challenges and benefits in the SC domain, which were further verified through expert interviews. Based on the findings of the literature review and experts’ interviews, the study develops a metaverse capability framework using Context, Intervention, Mechanism and Outcome logic and develops propositions for future empirical testing. It also provides a future research agenda based on the theory, context and method framework. Research limitations/implications Although the findings from a small set of interviews were consistent with the literature, these findings should also be treated as emergent rather than explanatory. Practical implications The paper identifies directions for future research and discusses implications for practitioners in implementing the metaverse in the SC. Originality/value This study is one of the few conducted on the supply chain (SC) aspects of metaverse technology.