Discover and Dream: Appreciating Women Entrepreneurs’ Innovation

Abstract

The intersection of gender and innovation is increasingly explored in entrepreneurship research. However, the existing literature on women's entrepreneurship often focuses on challenges and gender disparities. Despite the growing participation of women entrepreneurs, barriers to their innovation persist. Previous studies highlight that gender operates as a limiting factor in innovation systems, and the overall construction of innovation carries masculine connotations. Our research seeks to delve into the personal meaning’s women entrepreneurs attribute to innovation. Specifically, we pose the question: How do women entrepreneurs conceptualise innovation? Employing Appreciative Inquiry (AI), we conducted interviews with 12 Finnish women entrepreneurs, emphasising strengths and positive aspects rather than problem-solving. The AI process included four stages: discovery, dream, design, and delivery. Each participant underwent two interview rounds, covering different stages. The analysis, conducted through discourse analysis, identified three discourses in women entrepreneurs' constructions of innovation: 1) Innovation is me, 2) Touch of something new, and 3) Vague concept. While prior research has often associated innovation with masculine traits, our results reveal a nuanced perspective. The positive approach of AI uncovered constructive views of innovation, such as the strong identity formation with innovation depicted in the discourse of "Innovation is me”. By providing rich qualitative insights, our research contributes to a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of women entrepreneurs engaged in innovation, challenging conventional notions and highlighting positive constructions of innovation.