Determining factors of female entrepreneurship in Ecuador: An individual and environmental perspective

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2024-1037

Keywords:

Entrepreneurship, Female Entrepreneurship, Extrinsic Factors, Intrinsic Factors, GEM, Women Entrepreneurs, Logit Model, Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Ecuador is recognized by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2023 study as the country with the highest level of female entrepreneurship. Methodology: The GEM data allowed us to examine the individual and environmental factors that determine female entrepreneurship in Ecuador. Through a logistic regression, 1,014 observations of women were analyzed. Results: Motivation by necessity is positioned as the most influential factor for Ecuadorian women to undertake business. Possessing entrepreneurial skills, having support networks and experience in informal investment also have a positive impact. Furthermore, the level of higher education and residing in the Coast region decrease the propensity to undertake entrepreneurship. Discussion: The study challenges established theories and shows that the conditions for Ecuadorian women to undertake entrepreneurship are particular, suggesting greater depth in the analysis and contemplation of other relevant factors. Conclusions: In the Ecuadorian context, the determinants of female entrepreneurship are diverse and the analysis must approach the territory. The challenge is to collect inputs for the specific design of public policies and strategies that promote female entrepreneurship in Ecuador according to its reality.

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Author Biographies

María Luisa Altamirano Aguirre, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja

Master in Project Management from the International University of Ecuador and IMF Business School.
Economist from the Private Technical University of Loja.
University teacher at UTPL in undergraduate degree, face-to-face modality.
His work experience as a technical consultant at the Foundation for Business and Social Development FEDES; Project and investment coordinator at Vilcabamba Internacional de Aguas Cía. Ltda., Industrial Coordinator at Multimallas EC.
She is currently a professor at the Business School of the Private Technical University of Loja.

 

Ángela del Cisne Salazar Romero, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja

Master in Innovation from the University of Deusto, Spain.
Higher Diploma in Administrative Management Skills, Training in Digital Business Management and Digital Transformation from the Polytechnic University of Valencia and the Ibero-American Network in Digital Transformation.
Ángela has worked for 16 years as a university teacher and manager, performing functions in the field of innovation and university management.
She is currently director and teacher of the Master's Degree in Financial Management with a mention in Fintech at EDES, UTPL Business School.

 

Andrea Estefanía Riofrío Lara , Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja

Student of the Economics program at the Private Technical University of Loja, in-person modality.
Certification in Young Executives Program and Young Executives Program at INCAE Business School with issuance in the year 2022-2023.
Research line: Financial markets, Financing mechanisms.

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Published

2024-11-05

How to Cite

Altamirano Aguirre, M. L., Salazar Romero, Ángela del C., & Riofrío Lara , A. E. (2024). Determining factors of female entrepreneurship in Ecuador: An individual and environmental perspective. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 9, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2024-1037

Issue

Vol. 9 (2024)

Section

INNOVATING IN GENDER CONCEPT

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Copyright (c) 2024 María Luisa Altamirano Aguirre, Ángela del Cisne Salazar Romero, Andrea Estefanía Riofrío Lara

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