Empreendedorismo tecnológico feminino: análise bibliométrica e experiências de empreendedoras brasileiras

Abstract

This study seeks to deepen the understanding of female entrepreneurship or the relationship between gender and innovation in companies that are intensive in technical and scientific knowledge. The analysis of the discourse of female entrepreneurs in technology startups reveals that they face a series of difficulties, such as problems in seeking financing for their businesses, competition in the market and autonomy. Based on this assumption, this research consists of a bibliometric analysis of articles collected from the Web of Science, in the journal with a high impact factor in the fields of gender and entrepreneurship study: Entrepreneurial Theory and Practice. This first stage of the research allows for a qualitative analysis, in the identification of the themes, profile and location of the businesses, as well as a quantitative analysis in the following bibliometric parameters: authors (number, gender, institutional origin and most referenced authors), research procedures and methodological approach of the articles, and year of publication. In addition, in the second stage, two case studies were carried out in companies that are intensive in technical and scientific knowledge and led by women. The research instruments used in this phase are documentary research, with consultations of the Lattes CV and the Fapesp Virtual Library of the selected female entrepreneurs; and field research, with in-depth interviews. The data are discussed in light of the selected literature, as well as their possible implications for the national economy. The studies show that entrepreneurial activity presents challenges that are characteristic of gender, such as the difficulty of reconciling it with maintaining a home, romantic relationships and parental care. In addition, there are prejudices in this regard inherent in negotiations with clients, suppliers and lines of financing. In technology, there is also the aggravating factor of being a predominantly male area. Businesses led by women tend to be less profitable and long-lasting due to complex factors that are often visible only to those who delve into researching this topic.