Women and STEM skills for innovation and technological entrepreneurship

Abstract

The role of women in innovation and technological entrepreneurship is fundamental in all countries. However, there are two key factors that decision-makers and public policymakers must consider; the first factor is related to the presence of women in the university and professional fields in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and the skills that derive from it. The second relevant factor is stereotypes. Female entrepreneurship Professional Field, Pension, equal pay for equal work, marriage rights, and region/country. Gender and generate more innovation and jobs. This research aims to analyze the STEM competencies and entrepreneurship carried out by women and highlight the most relevant factors to reduce the gap. The methodological strategy is based on the use of machine learning techniques for which three databases were used: two from the World Bank Women, Business and the Law, another on business and law from the World Bank, and another on education from UNESCO, with emphasis on STEM competencies. The results show that women's most significant focus on STEM careers is in the health sciences, and the one that offers the lowest degree is engineering. It is also evident that the critical factors for the incursion of women as entrepreneurs in technological sectors are professional field, pension, equal pay for equal work, marriage rights, and region/country, and in these, some stereotypes are present.