Understanding the Factors which Engage Female Participation in Patents in Andalusia (Spain)

Abstract

Background: One economic dimension of sustainable development is innovation. If we understand the innovative capacity of a country as the ability to achieve economic growth, social welfare, and sustainability, the human factor is key to managing these objectives; in particular the contributions of scientists. Gender differences in science and technology remain stable over time. However, there have been very few studies of the specific involvement of women in technological innovation.. From 1990 to 2006 there were 411 women and 1427 men patenting in universities and public research centres in Andalusia (Spain).