Gender and innovation in the countries of the Baltic Sea region
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Background. Innovation has not only become a common theme in academic research
but it also tops public debates and policy agendas worldwide.
Research aims. The paper takes a theoretical and practical approach to innovation
in women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It consists of two
parts. In the first part we provide a critical review of the literature on gender and
innovation, pointing out that the gender dimension is not taken into consideration.
It this context we attempt to provide a gender-sensitive definition of innovation and
its policy implications. In the second part we present the results of a pilot survey
on women-led SMEs in Baltic Sea countries.
Methodology. The survey’s questions permitted to analyse motives for, and barriers
to start own SME by women in creative industries and tourism, as well as the scope of
innovations in their businesses and the availability of the financial and institutional
support at national and local levels. It was conducted in 2015 among 102 women
owners of firms in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden.
Key findings. The main conclusion is that women’s economic and innovative potential
remains untapped in all countries which that companiec representing the sector
of creative industries/services are more innovative than companies representing
the tourism sector. The paper is part of the project: Thematic Partnership Winnet
Baltic Sea Region Winnet BSR “Gender, Innovation and Sustainable Development
in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR)”, financed by the Swedish Institute in 2013–2016
(www.balticsearegion.org/web/). (oryginal abstract)
but it also tops public debates and policy agendas worldwide.
Research aims. The paper takes a theoretical and practical approach to innovation
in women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It consists of two
parts. In the first part we provide a critical review of the literature on gender and
innovation, pointing out that the gender dimension is not taken into consideration.
It this context we attempt to provide a gender-sensitive definition of innovation and
its policy implications. In the second part we present the results of a pilot survey
on women-led SMEs in Baltic Sea countries.
Methodology. The survey’s questions permitted to analyse motives for, and barriers
to start own SME by women in creative industries and tourism, as well as the scope of
innovations in their businesses and the availability of the financial and institutional
support at national and local levels. It was conducted in 2015 among 102 women
owners of firms in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden.
Key findings. The main conclusion is that women’s economic and innovative potential
remains untapped in all countries which that companiec representing the sector
of creative industries/services are more innovative than companies representing
the tourism sector. The paper is part of the project: Thematic Partnership Winnet
Baltic Sea Region Winnet BSR “Gender, Innovation and Sustainable Development
in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR)”, financed by the Swedish Institute in 2013–2016
(www.balticsearegion.org/web/). (oryginal abstract)