Gender and innovation in the countries of the Baltic Sea region

Background. Innovation has not only become a common theme in academic research but it also tops public debates and policy agendas worldwide.

Research aims. The paper takes a theoretical and practical approach to innovation in women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It consists of two parts. In the first part we provide a critical review of the literature on gender and innovation, pointing out that the gender dimension is not taken into consideration. It this context we attempt to provide a gender-sensitive definition of innovation and its policy implications. In the second part we present the results of a pilot survey on women-led SMEs in Baltic Sea countries.

Methodology. The survey’s questions permitted to analyse motives for, and barriers to start own SME by women in creative industries and tourism, as well as the scope of innovations in their businesses and the availability of the financial and institutional support at national and local levels. It was conducted in 2015 among 102 women owners of firms in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden.

Key findings. The main conclusion is that women’s economic and innovative potential remains untapped in all countries which that companiec representing the sector of creative industries/services are more innovative than companies representing the tourism sector. The paper is part of the project: Thematic Partnership Winnet Baltic Sea Region Winnet BSR “Gender, Innovation and Sustainable Development in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR)”, financed by the Swedish Institute in 2013–2016 (www.balticsearegion.org/web/).