Toward a resilient and smart supply chain: identifying and prioritizing barriers to metaverse adoption

Abstract

Purpose – The adoption of the metaverse in supply chain management (SCM) presents transformative potential to address inefficiencies such as real-time visibility gaps, demand forecasting inaccuracies and stakeholder collaboration challenges. However, its adoption is hindered by multifaceted barriers that remain underexplored in the literature. This study systematically identifies, analyses and prioritizes 12 critical barriers to metaverse adoption in SCM. Design/methodology/approach – This study uses an integrated methodology that merges a qualitative literature review with quantitative techniques, including “Interpretive Structural Modelling” (ISM) and “Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification” (MICMAC) analysis. Findings – Key findings reveal that foundational barriers such as lack of standards and lack of infrastructure occupy the highest level in the ISM hierarchy, exerting significant influence over dependent barriers like real-time data integration and stakeholder collaboration. MICMAC analysis further classifies barriers into autonomous independent linkage and dependent categories, highlighting their dynamic interdependencies. Originality/value – The study underscores the need for holistic strategies emphasizing technological readiness and ecosystem alignment to facilitate metaverse adoption. By offering a hierarchical framework and actionable insights, this study contributes to both academic discourse and practical implementation, aiding organizations in analysing the difficulties of metaverse integration for resilient, efficient and sustainable SCM.