Key Factors for the Implementation of the Metaverse in Spanish Ports: An Evaluation Based on a Prioritization Matrix

Nicoletta González-Cancelas (), Javier Vaca-Cabrero and Alberto Camarero-Orive
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Nicoletta González-Cancelas: Department of Transport, Territorial and Urban Planning Engineering, ETSI Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Calle Profesor Aranguren, 3, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Javier Vaca-Cabrero: Department of Transport, Territorial and Urban Planning Engineering, ETSI Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Calle Profesor Aranguren, 3, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Alberto Camarero-Orive: Department of Transport, Territorial and Urban Planning Engineering, ETSI Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Calle Profesor Aranguren, 3, 28040 Madrid, Spain

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-19

Abstract: The implementation of the metaverse in Spanish ports poses challenges and opportunities, but it is crucial to identify and prioritize the key factors ensuring a successful transition to this new technological paradigm. To date, the literature has explored various aspects of digital transformation in ports, but few studies have specifically addressed the integration of the metaverse in this context. This study employed a prioritization matrix to evaluate five categories of factors: new operating models, institutional cooperation and coordination, customer services, data and technological maturity, and sector assimilation. Each category was evaluated based on its potential impact, urgency, ease of implementation, and cost. The results revealed that the factors related to the new operating models and institutional cooperation and coordination were considered the most important and urgent for the implementation of the metaverse in Spanish ports. On the other hand, technological maturity and sectoral assimilation were identified as the lowest priority categories. These findings suggest that the focus should be on improving operability and institutional collaboration to maximize the benefits of the metaverse in the Spanish port environment. In conclusion, this study provides a practical guide for decision-makers in the planning and implementation of digital transformation strategies in Spanish ports. By prioritizing key factors, resources can be optimized and the metaverse adoption process can be accelerated, thus contributing to the improvement of efficiency and competitiveness in the port sector.

Keywords: prioritization matrix; metaverse; Spanish ports; digital transformation; key factors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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