The report identifies and discusses six themes in the women's enterprise research literature:

An assessment is made of the main research developments since 2001. The role and contribution of recent policy developments in changing the landscape of women's enterprise is considered, particularly the Strategic Framework for Women's Enterprise, published by the Small Business Service in 2003.

The report builds on a previous review undertaken in 2001 which helped in the understanding and knowledge of women’s enterprise. This previous report contributed towards the introduction of a coordinated and collaborative strategic policy structure. The present report will increase understanding of the complexities involved in developing women’s enterprise and assist policy-makers in promoting its growth.

The report provides an overview of the recent academic research literature on women’s enterprise and is structured around the six main themes which emerge from the literature.

Over the past five years there have been a number of developments in our knowledge and understanding of women’s enterprise. The overall trends of women’s enterprise in the UK are similar to other international contexts, although it is recognised that the USA lead the field. There is a more sophisticated understanding of the barriers to women’s enterprise, such as the presence of dependent children which may make women risk-averse, access to start-up finance, and even possession of the ambition to start a business in the first place. Growth in women’s enterprise in the USA was helped by Federal commitment, and although there have been remarkable policy developments in the UK over the past five years, it will take sustained commitment to ensure an equivalent level of development in the UK.

Small Business Service
Phone: +44 207 215 5000
dti.enquiries@dti.gsi.gov.uk

01/11/2006

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Sara Carter (Stirling University) and Eleanor Shaw (Strathclyde University)

research

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Business support