Singapore – As technologies are converging to reshape human experiences, global professional services Accenture has launched a dedicated ‘Metaverse Continuum’ business group, a spectrum of digitally enhanced worlds, realities, and business models, aimed at building on the business’ existing capabilities in this space.

According to the Accenture Technology Vision 2022 report, at this early stage, 71% of executives believe the metaverse will have a positive impact on their organisation, and 42% believe it will be a breakthrough or transformational.

Accenture said that forward-looking companies are simultaneously navigating the uncertainty of today’s markets while beginning to compete in the Metaverse Continuum.

The new group will be led by Paul Daugherty, Accenture’s group chief executive and technology and chief technology officer, and David Droga, Accenture Interactive’s CEO and creative chairman.

Daugherty shared that the next generation of the internet is unfolding and will drive a new wave of digital transformation far greater than what we all have seen to date, transforming the way people all live and work.

“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,” said Daugherty.

Meanwhile, Droga commented, “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.”

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.”

In addition, Accenture has also operated its own metaverse, the Nth floor, where the company’s 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.