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Causes of the gender divide within entrepreneurship ecosystems

Author

Listed:
  • Yasuyuki Motoyama

    (Ohio State University, USA)

  • Susan Clark Muntean

    (University of North Carolina, USA)

  • Karren Knowlton

    (The Wharton School – University of Pennsylvania, USA)

  • Banu Ozkazanc-Pan

Abstract

Knowledge about connections within a local economic system holds implication for understanding the ways in which individuals and categories of entrepreneurs access the system itself and resources provided within. While scholars have recently found complex divisions of networks within local entrepreneurship ecosystems, we still have a limited understanding about why these chasms exist. We present a case study with qualitative research in the entrepreneurial ecosystem of St. Louis, Missouri, which identifies structural sources of divergence in networks. Specifically, we find a gender gap in the ecosystem that reveals patterns of difference in access to resources and in the experiences of women relative to men entrepreneurs. Thus, we contribute a more nuanced understanding of how discrete elements within a system’s networks diverge, as well as identifying the root causes of this divergence. The article concludes with implications for theories and practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Yasuyuki Motoyama & Susan Clark Muntean & Karren Knowlton & Banu Ozkazanc-Pan, 2021. "Causes of the gender divide within entrepreneurship ecosystems," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 36(3), pages 187-204, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:loceco:v:36:y:2021:i:3:p:187-204
    DOI: 10.1177/0269094221995783
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Roberta Dutra de Andrade & Paulo Gonçalves Pinheiro & Matheus Dantas Madeira Pontes & Thayanne Lima Duarte Pontes, 2023. "Unleashing Knowledge Sharing in Emerging Economy Startups: A Multilevel Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-17, June.
    3. Paige Clayton, 2024. "Different outcomes for different founders? Local organizational sponsorship and entrepreneurial finance," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 62(1), pages 23-62, January.
    4. Norin Arshed & Graeme Martin & Stephen Knox, 2023. "Ties That Bind or Blind? The Role of Identity and Place in Understanding Women Entrepreneurs’ Support Needs," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 47(6), pages 2205-2232, November.
    5. Greg Schrock & Nichola Lowe, 2021. "Inclusive innovation editorial: The promise of inclusive innovation," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 36(3), pages 181-186, May.
    6. Haifeng Qian & Zoltan J. Acs, 2023. "Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and Economic Development Policy," Economic Development Quarterly, , vol. 37(1), pages 96-102, February.
    7. Amparo Serrano‐Pascual & Carlota Carretero‐García, 2022. "Women’s entrepreneurial subjectivity under scrutiny: Expert knowledge on gender and entrepreneurship," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(2), pages 666-686, March.

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