Digitalization in Shaping Female and Male Entrepreneurial Potential

Éva Komlósi, Hanga Bilicz, Erkko Autio, Donghyun Park and Shu Tian
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Éva Komlósi: University of Pécs
Hanga Bilicz: University of Pécs
Erkko Autio: Imperial College London
Donghyun Park: Asian Development Bank
Shu Tian: Asian Development Bank

No 796, ADB Economics Working Paper Series from Asian Development Bank

Abstract: This study examines the impact of digitalization on the context shaping male and female entrepreneurial potential across 78 economies, utilizing the Female Entrepreneurship Index (FEI) and the Male Entrepreneurship Index (MEI). By analyzing the effects of digital transformation, the study aims to understand whether digital tools can reduce gender disparities in entrepreneurship or if they primarily benefit one gender. Findings indicate a positive effect of digitalization on both FEI and MEI, affirming that digital readiness enhances entrepreneurial opportunities for all. However, in economies where MEI surpasses FEI, digitalization tends to widen the gender gap, with male entrepreneurs gaining a disproportionate advantage. Conversely, in contexts where female entrepreneurship dominates, digitalization does not significantly impact the MEI–FEI gap. Additional analyses reveal that factors like economic development (gross domestic product per capita) and gender inequalities (political empowerment of women) interact with digitalization to support both genders, though competitive environments are notably more influential on female entrepreneurial potential. These insights highlight the nuanced role of digitalization in fostering entrepreneurship, suggesting policies must consider these dynamics to effectively support gender-balanced growth in entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Keywords: entrepreneurship; female entrepreneurship; male entrepreneurship; gender; Female Entrepreneurship Index (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J16 L26 O33 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 39
Date: 2025-08-15
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-lab and nep-sbm
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