Accenture Technology Vision 2022: "Metaverse Continuum" redefining how the world works, operates and interacts
March 17, 2022
March 17, 2022
Accenture launches dedicated Metaverse Continuum business group as physical and virtual realities converge to reshape human experiences
JOHANNESBURG; March 17, 2022 – A new report from Accenture (NYSE: ACN) reveals that the "Metaverse Continuum," a spectrum of digitally enhanced worlds, realities and business models, is redefining how the world works, operates and interacts. According to the Accenture Technology Vision 2022, "Meet Me in the Metaverse: The Continuum of Technology and Experience Reshaping Business," businesses are racing toward a future that is very different from the one they were designed to operate in — as technologies, such as extended reality, blockchain, digital twins and edge computing, are converging to reshape human experiences.
To help organisations take advantage of this opportunity, Accenture is launching the Accenture Metaverse Continuum business group. The new group will be led by Paul Daugherty, group chief executive – Technology and chief technology officer at Accenture and David Droga, CEO and creative chairman of Accenture Interactive.
"The next generation of the internet is unfolding and will drive a new wave of digital transformation far greater than what we've seen to date, transforming the way we all live and work," said Daugherty. "Our vision of the metaverse as a continuum challenges prevailing, narrower views and highlights why organisations must act today, or find themselves operating in worlds designed by, and for, someone else."
"As the building blocks of the Metaverse Continuum take shape, it's imperative that African companies begin incorporating this into their business strategy now," said Kgomotso Lebele, Technology lead for Accenture in Africa. "They must become metaverse businesses and start engaging in these new people-centric worlds."
As part of the report, Accenture surveyed more than 4,600 business and technology leaders across 23 industries in 35 countries – including South Africa. At this early stage, 63% of local executives believe the metaverse will positively impact their organisation, and 43% think it will be a breakthrough or transformational.
"We are recognised as an early leader in metaverse-related capabilities, with 600 patent filings and more than a decade of experience," added Droga. "Our new business group combines these capabilities with the creative strengths of Accenture Interactive, with teams of innovators and creators introducing new applications in the decentralised environment of the metaverse."
Accenture also operates its metaverse, the Nth floor, where its people participate in new hire orientation and immersive learning or meet and socialise as teams. This fiscal year, the company expects 150,000 or more new hires will work in the metaverse on their first day.
Daugherty added, "As the line between people's physical and digital lives further blurs, organisations have the opportunity and obligation now to build a responsible metaverse — addressing issues like trust, sustainability, personal safety, privacy, responsible access and use, diversity and more. The actions and choices they make today will set the stage for the future."
The Technology Vision 2022 report identifies four key trends that companies will need to address:
Forward-looking companies are simultaneously navigating the uncertainty of today's markets while beginning to compete in the Metaverse Continuum. For example, working with Microsoft and Accenture, Mars embraces digital twins, one of the metaverse's foundational elements, to reduce waste, increase speed and capacity, and empower its associates to make real-time decisions across its supply chain. Mars is now extending this concept to product development with digital simulations factoring in variabilities, such as climate and disruptions, and maintaining greater visibility from the point of origin to the place of consumption.
For 22 years, Accenture has systematically looked across the enterprise landscape to identify evolving technology trends with the highest possibilities to disrupt businesses and industries. For more information on this year's report, visit www.accenture.com/technologyvision or follow the conversation on Twitter with #TechVision2022.
For the 2022 report, the research process included gathering input from the Technology Vision External Advisory Board, a group comprising more than two dozen experienced individuals from the public and private sectors, academia, venture capital firms and entrepreneurial companies. In addition, the Technology Vision team conducted interviews with technology luminaries and industry experts and many Accenture business leaders. In parallel, Accenture Research conducted a global survey of 24,000 consumers and 4,650 C-level executives and directors across 35 countries and 23 industries.
Accenture is a global professional services company with leading digital, cloud, and security capabilities. Combining unmatched experience and specialised skills across more than 40 industries, we offer Strategy and Consulting, Interactive, Technology and Operations services — all powered by the world's largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centres. Our 674,000 people deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity every day, serving clients in more than 120 countries. We embrace the power of change to create value and shared success for our clients, people, shareholders, partners and communities. Visit us at accenture.com.
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Contacts:
Jonathan Mahapa
Accenture
+27 11 208 3947
jonathan.mahapa@accenture.com