Chapter 3 A skilling framework for women entrepreneurs in the knowledge economy

Abstract

Purpose – To prepare for the increasingly important role women entrepreneurs are expected to play in the knowledge economy, it is imperative to understand, facilitate and manage women's training needs for full participation in the knowledge economy. The chapter introduces a skilling framework which integrates pedagogical, organisational and technological values to promote the uptake of knowledge economy skills.

Design/methodology/approach – An exploratory study approach was adopted underpinned by a social constructionist epistemology. The study fused a literature review on knowledge economy skills and women's learning needs with a desktop audit of opportunities available to women entrepreneurs to augment their knowledge economy skills.

Findings – Based on the two sets of data, the study found that a lack of attention has been paid to increasing female entrepreneurs' opportunities to develop to their full potential in the knowledge economy. Most training programmes fall short in delivering comprehensive digital and strategic skills required for women entrepreneurs' full participation in a knowledge society.

Research limitations/implications: Given the exploratory study approach, researchers are encouraged to adopt and test the proposed framework.

Practical implications – The interlinking of business and technology offers unique opportunities for women to engage in entrepreneurship and innovation. For policy makers this analysis provides insights on how to foster female entrepreneurship in the knowledge economy. For educators it provides a teaching and learning framework that encompasses evidence based content, gender-sensitive approaches to business skilling and collaborative learning environments.

Originality/Value of chapter – This framework helps lay a foundation for future research on the skilling of heterogeneous women entrepreneurs in the knowledge economy.

Citation

Braun, P. (2010), "Chapter 3 A skilling framework for women entrepreneurs in the knowledge economy", Wynarczyk, P. and Marlow, S. (Ed.) Innovating Women: Contributions to Technological Advancement (Contemporary Issues in Entrepreneurship Research, Vol. 1), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 35-53. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2040-7246(2010)0000001008