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The economic implications of services in the metaverse

Author

Listed:
  • Carlos Cantú
  • Cecilia Franco
  • Jon Frost

Abstract

How could an immersive computer-generated environment ("the metaverse") impact services in the digital economy? Investment in virtual worlds has grown rapidly. Yet the technology still falls short of achieving fully immersive experiences. And despite hyperbolic predictions, various indicators show interest has fallen in the last two years. While some use cases show promise (eg gaming, education, healthcare), others seem distinctly gimmicky (eg virtual bank branches, land speculation). If the metaverse does succeed, it could mean: (i) a blurring of lines between the tradable and non-tradable sectors, (ii) greater cross-border economic integration and (iii) new demands on payment services. In principle, retail fast payment systems, retail central bank digital currencies or tokenised deposits could be designed to support services in the metaverse. To prevent virtual environments and money from becoming fragmented and dominated by powerful private firms, public policy would need to support efficient, interoperable payments and provide clear standards on data privacy, digital ownership and consumer protection.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlos Cantú & Cecilia Franco & Jon Frost, 2024. "The economic implications of services in the metaverse," BIS Papers, Bank for International Settlements, number 144, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bis:bisbps:144
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • E42 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Monetary Sytsems; Standards; Regimes; Government and the Monetary System
    • I19 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Other
    • I29 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Other
    • L8 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O36 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Open Innovation

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