Adoption of e-Invoicing in Korea: Using the Technology Readiness and Acceptance Model

Purpose - Digital trade refers to the application of digital technologies to traditional trade practices, and it is regarded as playing a significant role in improving traditional trade processes and enhancing efficiency. In particular, the adoption and utilization of digital-based structured e-Invoicing have emerged as key issues in global digital trade. This study aims to provide insights into increasing the demand intention for digital-based structured e-Invoicing among Korean trading companies. Design/Methodology - The analytical model of this study is based on the Technology Readiness and Acceptance Model (TRAM), which has been widely used to theoretically explain the acceptance and usage behavior of information technology by new technology users. This model takes into account the differences in user readiness to adopt new technologies, such as digital-based structured e-Invoicing. The analysis was conducted by surveying Korean trading companies and applying structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the data. Findings - The key findings of this study indicate that the positive factors of technology readiness, namely optimism and innovativeness, have a significant impact on perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. In contrast, the negative factors, discomfort and insecurity, were found to have no significant effect on perceived usefulness. Based on these results, to enhance the intention to adopt e-Invoicing, it is necessary to strengthen user education, enhance security and reliability, and implement gradual adoption and pilot operations to mitigate the negative factors. Originality/Value - This study focuses on the adoption and utilization of digital-based structured e-Invoicing among Korean trading companies in the context of the expanding global digital trade driven by digital transformation. The core of the research is the intention to adopt e-Invoicing and strategies for its future expansion. Through empirical analysis, the study aims to provide insights to Korean trading companies on how to promote the broader adoption of e-Invoicing.