Metaverse, sustainable development goals and local development: a mutually beneficial relationship?

Purpose This paper aims to conceptually analyse the bidirectional relationship between the metaverse and the local development. Design/methodology/approach The majority of studies on the metaverse concentrate on the micro-level scale, discussing the future technological applications for the different economic sectors, sub-sectors or companies. This conceptual paper undertakes a macro-level standpoint, presenting the key elements for assessing the mutual interaction between the metaverse and the local development through the lens of the sustainability dimensions – society, economy, the environment and policy and governance. Findings The paper elaborates on both the positive connections and the potential constraints deriving from the interconnectedness between the metaverse and local development in the context of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this analysis represents one of the first systematic attempts to critically consider the role of the metaverse in local development and vice versa.