ABSTRACT. Based on an in-depth survey of the literature, the purpose of the paper is to explore the economics of the metaverse in relation to immersive virtual technologies, consumer digital engagement, and augmented reality shopping experience. We contribute to the literature by indicating that metaverse technology adoption enhances immersive networking customer experience through virtualization tools, reshaping digital engagement and ownership, consumer behavior patterns, and con- tent creation. Throughout January 2022, a quantitative literature review of the Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest databases was performed, with search terms including “metaverse” + “immersive virtual technologies,” “consumer digital engagement,” and “augmented reality shopping experience.” As research published between 2021 and 2022 was inspected, only 69 articles satisfied the eligibility criteria. By taking out controversial or ambiguous findings (insufficient/irrelevant data), out- comes unsubstantiated by replication, too general material, or studies with nearly identical titles, we selected 8 mainly empirical sources. Data visualization tools: Dimensions (bibliometric mapping) and VOSviewer (layout algorithms). Reporting quality assessment tool: PRISMA. Methodological quality assessment tools include: AMSTAR, Dedoose, Distiller SR, and SRDR.

Keywords: metaverse; economics; immersive; virtual; technology; reality

How to cite: Nica, E., Kliestik, T., Valaskova, K., and Sabie, O.-M. (2022). “The Economics of the Metaverse: Immersive Virtual Technologies, Consumer Digital Engagement, and Augmented Reality Shopping Experience,” Smart Governance 1(1): 21–34. doi: 10.22381/sg1120222.

Received 29 January 2022 • Received in revised form 22 April 2022
Accepted 25 April 2022 • Available online 30 May 2022