Women's entrepreneurship policy: a 13 nation cross-country comparison

Abstract

<p><i>Purpose</i>: Government attention to women’s entrepreneurship has increased in the past two decades; however, there are few cross-cultural studies to inform policy development. This paper aims to draw on gender and institutional theory to report on the status of female-focused small and medium-sized enterprises/entrepreneurship policies and to ask how – and to what extent – do women’s entrepreneurship policies differ among countries?</p>

<p><i>Design/methodology/approach</i>: A common methodological approach is used to identify gaps in the policy-practice nexus.</p>

<p><i>Findings</i>: The study highlights countries where policy is weak but practice is strong, and vice versa.</p>

<p><i>Research limitations/implications</i>: The study’s data were restricted to policy documents and observations of practices and initiatives on the ground.</p>

<p><i>Practical implications</i>: The findings have implications for policy makers in respect of support for women’s entrepreneurship. Recommendations for future research are advanced.</p>

<p><i>Originality/value</i>: The paper contributes to extant knowledge and understanding about entrepreneurship policy, specifically in relation to women’s entrepreneurship. It is also one of the few studies to use a common methodological approach to explore and compare women’s entrepreneurship policies in 13 countries.</i>