Metaverse revolution and the digital transformation: intersectional analysis of Industry 5.0

PurposeThis study aims to investigate metaverse elements affecting digital transformation and examine how the metaverses' enabled digital transformation affects Industry 5.0.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts intersectional research methodologies to understand how metaverse technologies facilitate digital transformation and contribute to Industry 5.0. The Metaverse literature is bibliometrically analyzed to identify the intersection of digital transformation and components of Industry 5.0.FindingsThe conceptualization of the metaverse, its ecosystem and its enabling technologies are consistent with the human-centric, resilient and sustainable vision of the industrial revolution. The findings show that scientific research into digital transformation contributes to refining potential conflicts and tensions that may arise at the intersection of the metaverse and Industry 5.0.Research limitations/implicationsStudy have significant implications for digital transformation research, as transformation studies help to fine-tune emerging technologies such as the metaverse for the industrial revolution. Based on the findings, the authors have provided a threat model for the Sustainable Metaverse Revolution.Social implicationsThe utility of metaverse technologies in industrial revolutions necessitates the formulation of business model policies that promote the metaverse-enabled digital transformation. Policy recommendations for integrated development approaches are also provided in this paper.Originality/valueThe metaverse-enabled digital transformation and its implications for the industrial revolution are less reported. The current study addresses the importance of such intersectional studies.