International Journal of Metaverse & Virtual Transformation

Abstract This study aims to develop and validate an indigenous digital trust model tailored to Iran's socio-cultural, legal, and institutional context, with particular attention to emerging challenges of trust in immersive digital environments, including metaverse and virtual platforms. An exploratory sequential mixed-methods design was employed. In the qualitative phase, grounded theory methodology was used with semi-structured interviews of 12 experts (policymakers, senior officials, platform managers, legal specialists, academics) selected via purposive and snowball sampling. Data were analyzed using MAXQDA through open, axial, and selective coding. In the quantitative phase, the model was validated using PLS-SEM via Smart PLS 3 with 100 IT managers (sample size justified by 10-times rule). Qualitative analysis identified 74 concepts, 24 subcategories, and 6 major categories. The core category was governance-centered digital trust. Quantitative results confirmed reliability and validity (CR > 0.70, AVE > 0.50, SRMR = 0.058, GOF = 0.601), with all structural relationships significant. The first empirically validated indigenous digital trust framework for Iran, extending theory by conceptualizing trust as governance-centered and identifying institutional fragmentation and accumulated negative experiences as critical determinants. The framework is positioned within the broader context of trust in emerging immersive digital ecosystems.

Abstract As a cornerstone of Iran’s economy and a vital source of non-oil export revenues, the petrochemical industry faces acute challenges in managing supply chain financial flows. International sanctions, severe feedstock imbalances, reliance on conventional financing mechanisms, and poor cross-tier coordination have collectively compromised overall systemic efficiency. Concurrently, ongoing digital transformation and interactive environments present novel opportunities to fundamentally redefine the banking sector’s strategic positioning. This study develops a comprehensive strategic framework for banking-enabled supply chain financial flow management within Iran’s petrochemical industry under digital paradigms. Following the identification of 20 core components via literature synthesis and expert consultations, the Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) technique was executed to examine direct and indirect structural dependencies among variables. Structural analysis revealed an unstable system configuration, with variables predominantly distributed along the diagonal axis. Five critical driving forces demonstrated dominant systemic influence: targeted banking support for value chain and downstream expansion, supply chain financial resilience against economic shocks, real-time data-driven resource allocation, modern financial instruments, and diminished dependence on traditional credit instruments. Empirical findings indicate that achieving strategic alignment requires transitioning commercial banks from passive credit intermediaries into intelligent orchestrators of the industrial financial ecosystem through shared data architectures and digital platforms. Ultimately, this research provides actionable policy frameworks for commercial banks, petrochemical holding conglomerates, and regulatory authorities to establish resilient, sustainable, and optimized supply chain financial management amidst prevailing macroeconomic and geopolitical complexities.