Study reveals gender bias in technological entrepreneurship

A survey conducted among students and faculty from higher education institutions in five European countries reveals the existence of gender bias in technological entrepreneurship. Around 63% of the respondents reported experiencing gender bias. This study was conducted by the Erasmus+ HerTechVenture project, which INOVA+ integrates.

Study reveals gender bias in technological entrepreneurship

Co-funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ program, the HerTechVenture project aims to increase the number of female students creating companies in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). To achieve this, the project consortium includes higher education institutions, associations, and other entities from the education and entrepreneurship ecosystems of Portugal, Greece, Spain, Italy, and Poland.

INOVA+ and the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda (IPG) participated in the study, which applied Self-Determination Theory to explore intrinsic motivation and its effect on attitude and behaviour. Surveys were conducted with 768 students and 172 university faculty members.

Gender Bias Dissuades Women from Pursuing Careers in Technology

The collected data highlighted significant barriers such as gender bias, stereotypes, and difficulties in balancing work and family, which demotivate women from pursuing careers in technology and entrepreneurship. Specifically, 76.1% of respondents pointed out a lack of necessary resources, 63.1% experienced gender bias, and 69.8% reported difficulties in accessing funding, all of which are critical barriers to entrepreneurship.

In addition to the surveys, 14 women with established careers as entrepreneurs and professionals in the STEM field were interviewed. The interviews emphasised the importance of intrinsic motivation to overcome difficulties and achieve professional satisfaction. Conditions such as self-awareness, self-confidence, and a supportive peer network were considered essential by the interviewees.

Political attention is crucial to combat gender bias

This research highlights the critical need for targeted interventions to support women in technology and entrepreneurship, underscoring the importance of addressing systemic issues and emphasizing the creation of more inclusive educational environments. The results reinforce the need for strategies that not only promote gender equality but also help break down the barriers faced by women in these fields.

Based on the study’s findings, the HerTechVenture project warns that, to foster gender equality in entrepreneurship in STEM fields, increased political attention to this issue is essential, especially in developing countries.

HerTechVenture project promotes Gender Equality in Entrepreneurship

The consortium is developing a new educational model to promote the skills needed for female students to become future entrepreneurs. Efforts will focus on designing culturally sensitive and gender-inclusive interventions that specifically address the challenges identified in the needs analysis.

The HerTechVenture project is led by the Polish Perspectives Foundation. In addition to the Portuguese partners INOVA+ and IPG, the consortium includes the Greek association Stimuli for Social Change, the University of Macedonia (Greece), the University of Salamanca (Spain), and the Polytechnic of Torino (Italy).

Did you know that INOVA+ has a team dedicated to cooperation for the development of training and education skills? This team works on European projects in the context of school education, adult education, higher education, and professional training. Learn more here! Learn more here!