Worldwide Overview and Country Differences in Metaverse Research: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

As a research topic integrating various subjects and technologies, Metaverse research has been a global concern in recent years. This study explores the hotspots and frontiers of academic research on the Metaverse based on a bibliometric analysis from 2012 to 2021. A keyword retrieval dataset related to Metaverse research was constructed based on expert consultation and manual reading of the literature, retrieving articles and conference papers from the Scopus database. Critical points in Metaverse research are represented in terms of research scale, keyword co-occurrence networks, keyword citation bursts, and international collaborative networks with the application of VOSviewer and CiteSpace’s bibliometric visualization software. The results indicate that Metaverse research is experiencing rapid growth, with countries/regions increasing their production at varying speeds. The results also indicate the three most prolific countries, the United States, China and Germany, for comparison, showing the leading topic as virtual reality in Metaverse research, and we find that there are differences in topic clustering and hotspot evolution among the three countries over the past decade. By determining the current research status and the overall development path of the Metaverse field, the paper intends to provide a reference for the future research development and technical application of the Metaverse.

Understanding the knowledge structure and the value creation process of the metaverse

“…This study fills some of these gaps by complementing the results obtained in the works of Dhingra [ 4 ], Shen et al [ 7 ] and Wider et al [ 19 ]. The Scopus database was used, a review of the pioneering literature on the metaverse was conducted and a combination of qualitative techniques was employed.…”

“…However, the metaverse also has many faces that are being revealed as its utilities and applications evolve with the use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, Big Data and mixed reality [ 5 ]. Technologies related to the metaverse lead to a redefinition of its concept [ 6 , 7 ]. This leads to a paradox as the more information we have, the more confusion there is about this parallel world [ 8 ].…”

“…Literature reviews have analysed topics such as the metaverse concept [e.g., [ [3] , [7] ]], its technologies [e.g., [ [1] , [5] ]], its applications [e.g., [ 19 ]] or the key factors for its adoption [ 4 ].…”

“…From these analyses they identify several clusters but do not make a comprehensive analysis to propose a logical and ordered structure of the themes studied in the previous literature. Shen et al [ 7 ], using Scopus in previous studies published up to 2021, analyse the keywords and group them into three clusters, but they do not go beyond the point of leaving them open without connecting them or giving them a structure for their understanding. On the other hand, Dhingra [ 4 ] proposes a “Technology Acceptance Model” (TAM), based on a review of the metaverse literature, with four dimensions: Theories, Contexts, Methods and Characteristics, but they do not consider the effects that their adoption may have such as value creation.…”

Digital Art and the Metaverse: Benefits and Challenges

“…Hence, there is an organic push towards a 3D Web [8] and this growing interest in the notion of the Metaverse [9] is driving the creation of varied 3D-based platforms and siloed environments for commercial, entertainment, social and educational purposes. With this notion, Giannini et al discuss that the digital identity of the museum is evolving alongside human interactions on the Internet [10].…”