Exploring the social activity of open research data on ResearchGate: implications for the data literacy of researchers

Purpose Although current research has investigated how open data (ORD) are published, researchers' behaviour of ORD sharing on academic social networks (ASNs) remains insufficiently explored. The purpose this study is to investigate the connections between ORDs publication and activity uncover literacy gaps. Design/methodology/approach This work investigates whether leads around their linked published articles needs. was characterised as reads citations, over basis a non-invasive approach supporting preliminary study. eventual associations profile (scientific domain, gender, region, professional position, reputation) quality were complete picture. A random sample items extracted from ResearchGate (752 ORDs) analysed using quantitative techniques, including descriptive statistics, logistic regression K-means cluster analysis. Findings results highlight three main phenomena: (1) Globally, there still an underdeveloped self-archived in ResearchGate, terms regardless quality; (2) disentangling moderating effects spots traditional dynamics within “innovative” practice engaging with practices; (3) somewhat similar situation ASN other platforms repositories, ORD, detected. Research limitations/implications collected narrow period, collection ensures representative picture practices. Practical implications As per implications, sheds light requirements promote context science desirable frontier practice. Originality/value Researchers across digital systems little understood. many policies technological infrastructure providing support, researchers do not make in-depth use them. Peer review peer-review history for article available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-05-2021-0255 .