Abstract

This study focuses on the low utilization of DataON, a national research data platform operated in South Korea, and aims to analyze the factors that influence researchers’ intention to use the platform. It explores how researchers’ technology readiness index, perception of DataON, and experience in sharing research data through public repositories affect their intention to use the platform. Additionally, the study investigates whether perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use mediate the relationship between the technology readiness index and usage intention. Based on survey data collected from 224 researchers, the analysis showed that perception of DataON and experience with public repositories had a significant impact on usage intention. Among the components of the technology readiness index, innovativeness was found to positively influence both perceived usefulness and ease of use. Furthermore, perceived usefulness and ease of use were confirmed as important mediating factors influencing intention to use, and employment status, as a demographic control variable, also had a statistically significant effect. This study is meaningful in that it considers both system-level factors of technology acceptance and researchers’ individual characteristics, specifically the Technology Readiness Index (TRI), in examining the use of the DataON platform. The findings offer practical implications for strategies to enhance the effective use of the platform.