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

Author

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  • Jinlu Shen

    (School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China)

  • Xiangyu Zhou

    (School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China)

  • Wei Wu

    (School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
    Institute of China’s Science, Technology and Education Policy (iCSTEP), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China)

  • Liang Wang

    (School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China)

  • Zhenying Chen

    (Library, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Jinlu Shen & Xiangyu Zhou & Wei Wu & Liang Wang & Zhenying Chen, 2023. "Worldwide Overview and Country Differences in Metaverse Research: A Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-25, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:4:p:3541-:d:1068927
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ahmet Atalay & Dalia Perkumienė & Mindaugas Škema & Egidijus Vigricas & Dovilė Čiuldienė & Biruta Švagždiene, 2025. "Evaluating the Role of Metaverse Interactive Technologies in Turkey and Lithuania for a Clean and Sustainable Environment in the Leisure Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-33, October.
    2. Juan Piñeiro-Chousa & M. Ángeles López-Cabarcos & Valentín VittoriRomero & Aurora Pérez-Pérez, 2025. "Evolution and trends of the metaverse in business and management: A bibliometric analysis," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 19(1), pages 197-222, January.
    3. Arianna D'Ulizia & Domenica Federico & Antonella Notte, 2024. "The Technological Innovation of the Metaverse in Financial Sector: Current State, Opportunities, and Open Challenges," Intelligent Systems in Accounting, Finance and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 31(3), September.
    4. William Hurst & Orestis Spyrou & Bedir Tekinerdogan & Caspar Krampe, 2023. "Digital Art and the Metaverse: Benefits and Challenges," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-17, May.

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