Exploring Metaverse Technologies in Entrepreneurship Through Machine Learning-Based Topic Modeling

This study investigates the integration of metaverse technologies into entrepreneurship, focusing on policy frameworks, practical applications, research directions, and educational strategies to promote innovation and enhance business operations. Utilizing the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) framework, BERTopic modeling identified four key thematic areas in the literature: virtual reality (VR) in entrepreneurial education, augmented reality (AR) and VR in tourism, metaverse technologies for business ventures, and digital transformation. The main findings include that in education, VR enhances skills through immersive experiences, whereas AR and VR enrich tourism. Metaverse technologies create new business opportunities and redefine traditional models. Digital transformation, spurred by global events, drives innovation across various sectors. Case studies exploring the metaverse’s benefits for entrepreneurship across industries, including NFTs and crypto ventures, healthcare, tourism, cultural engagement, and space exploration, are presented. These findings signify the potential of metaverse technologies in driving innovation and fostering entrepreneurial growth in education, tourism, business, and beyond. Additionally practical insights are offered into how immersive virtual technologies can transform entrepreneurial education and business models viewed from the lens of educators, policy makers, practitioners, and researchers while ensuring scalability and sustainability. A framework for future work in metaverse integration that touches on ethical standards, data privacy, and digital literacy to balance innovation with societal safeguards is presented.