Factors influencing autonomous vehicle adoption: an application of the technology acceptance model and innovation diffusion theory

ABSTRACT

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are a key transportation technology of the future and will be integral to smart cities. An increased understanding of user adoption is necessary to promote AV usage. This study applied an integrated model based on innovation diffusion theory (IDT) and the technology acceptance model (TAM) to examine the factors influencing a user’s behavioural intention to use AVs. Then, a questionnaire was designed, and structural equation analysis was conducted on the 274 collected survey results. Results confirmed previous research findings that perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU) positively influence users’ behavioural intention to use AVs. Moreover, the results revealed new findings that both PU and PEOU were influenced by the perceived characteristics of innovation (PCIs, i.e. relative advantage, compatibility, image, result demonstrability, visibility, and trialability). These findings contribute to theory building concerning human–computer interactions and guide policy and strategy formulation for promoting AVs.

KEYWORDS:

• Behavioural intention
• innovation diffusion theory
• technology acceptance model
• structural equation modelling

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by the Chung-Ang University Research Scholarship Grants in 2020.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kum Fai Yuen

Dr Kum Fai Yuen, is currently an Assistant Professor at School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He is also the recipient of the Inauguration Grant, an award under the Singapore Teaching and Academic Research Talent Scheme. Currently, he is serving as Associate Editor for Maritime Policy & Management (SSCI), and Editorial Advisory Board Member for Transportation Research: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (Scopus) as well as Continuity & Resilience Review. His research interests include maritime transport management, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, last-mile delivery, shared transport and economy, and technology innovation management. His research is mainly published in transport, logistics, environment and management journals. Some notable ones include Computers in Industry, Journal of Cleaner Production, Sustainable Cities and Society, International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics, International Journal of Production Economics, Transport Policy, Transportation Research Part A, D, E and F.

Lanhui Cai

Ms Lanhui Cai, is currently a PhD student at Department of International Logistics, Chung-Ang University, Korea. Her research interest is on logistics management and technology management.

Guanqiu Qi

Dr Guanqiu Qi, is currently Assistant Professor at Department of International Logistics, Chung-Ang University, South Korea. Currently, she is serving as Head Professor of International Student Major Education Program. Her research interests include transport economics, spatial economy and logistics connectivity. Her research can be found in Transport Reviews, Marine Policy, Transportation Research Part A, and Maritime Policy & Management.

Xueqin Wang

Dr Xueqin Wang, is Assistant Professor at Department of International Logistics, Chung-Ang University, South Korea. She received her Bachelor of Science degree (Maritime Studies) and Doctor of Philosophy degree from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Her research interests are in consumers’ participatory behaviours in last-mile logistics from a value co-creation perspective. Her research works can be found in Journal of Service Theory and practice, Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management.