Gendering Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: Levelling the Field

The increased interest in entrepreneurial ecosystems often builds on the underlying assumption that entrepreneurs have equal access to resources, participation, and support. However, women are underrepresented in successful entrepreneurial ecosystems and a persistent gender bias continues to exist. This bias is reflected in assumptions about the typical entrepreneur. It is white American men that spring to mind, portrayed as entrepreneurial superheroes, associated with risk- taking and big money. That they are men is often taken for granted; with successful female entrepreneurs seldom elevated in the same way. This illustrates how entrepreneurship is gendered, with implications for resource access and chances of success. The entrepreneurial ecosystem is not a level playing field.

This bbook gives insights on how to remedy gendered challenges that pose problems not only for individuals but also for the entrepreneurial ecosystem. By analysing ways of making entrepreneurial ecosystems more gender- inclusive, the chapters collectively highlight the impact of gender dynamics on entrepreneurial ecosystems and introduce innovative methods for fostering inclusivity. With examples from around the globe, they emphasise the actors and factors that matter for gender- inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems.

The book is interdisciplinary and will appeal to scholars, upper- level students and policymakers interested in entrepreneurship and gender inclusivity.

Marit Breivik-Meyer is Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship at Nord University Business School, Norway. Her main research interests include venture start up processes, entrepreneurial ecosystems, sustainability, and gender perspectives to entrepreneurship and innovation.

Marta Lindvert is Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship at Nord University Business School, Norway. Her main research interests include entrepreneurial financing and resource mobilization, particularly from a gender perspective. She is also interested in the role of different contexts for entrepreneurship and has conducted field studies in a variety of countries.

Anne-Charlott Callerstig is a senior researcher in gender studies at Örebro University, Sweden. Her research interest includes equality policy and organisation; policy implementation and evaluation; gender, entrepreneurship and innovation and interactive research methodologies.

Dag Balkmar is Associate Professor (Docent) and Senior Lecturer in Gender Studies at Örebro University, Sweden. His research focuses on men and masculinities; gender and entrepreneurship; gender equality and inclusion in organizations; gendered mobilities. His research encompasses several interactive research projects on gender and innovation, exploring masculinity in relation to technology, entrepreneurship, and organizations.

Gry Agnete Alsos is Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Nord University Business School, Norway. Her research interests include venture start up processes, entrepreneurial ecosystems, entrepreneurship and innovation policy, and gender perspectives to entrepreneurship and innovation.