Perceived benefits of open data are improving but scientists still lack resources, skills, and rewards

Addressing global scientific challenges necessitates widespread sharing of consistent and trustworthy research data. This study analyzes three DataONE surveys (2011, 2015, 2020) using the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Technology Acceptance Model to understand influences on data-sharing behavior. Multiple factor analysis reveals two key dimensions: willingness to share and satisfaction with resources. Individual factors (perceived benefit, risk, effort) strongly influence both, while social and organizational factors (training, repositories) significantly impact resource satisfaction. Researchers showing increased willingness to share operate in domains heavily reliant on shared resources, receive national/federal funding, work under mandates, and reside in regions with effective communication networks. Significantly, satisfaction with resources inversely correlates with willingness to share, suggesting researchers learn resource needs through extensive engagement.

Joshua Borycz, Robert Olendorf, Alison Specht, Bruce Grant, Kevin Crowston, Carol Tenopir, Suzie Allard, Natalie M. Rice, Rachael Hu, Robert J. Sandusky