Technology, Commercialization and Gender

This book explores the gender dimension in technology commercialization through a collection of papers by internationally renowned scholars in the USA, Mexico and Europe. Technology, Commercialization and Gender looks at various gender imbalances in this key innovation area and demonstrates that the construction of gendered identities within male-dominated work environments such as technology commercialization is a complex and lengthy process, often faced with institutional culture obstacles. More gender awareness and openness along all stages of the innovation chain, as well as more research and policy interventions are needed to ensure better use of highly-skilled human capital in knowledge-based economies around the globe.

“This excellent book approaches a topical theme that has been rather understudied so far, the one of gender in management of innovation and technology. Throughout its nine chapters, the book challenges and unravels the strong, traditional and still alive myth of neutrality of scientific creativity and technological innovation … . The very strong message the book sends is that in a time deeply marked by technological innovations as main engine of development, wasting the contribution of talented women could generate important economic losses. Through its global vision, examples of successful gendered patterns and broad understanding of innovation, technology and entrepreneurship, the book not only covers a knowledge gap, but it becomes a valuable reading that academic scholars, business leaders and policy decision-makers as well as  students cannot miss.” (Doina Balahur, Professor at the Centre for Gender Equality in Science, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Romania)

“Much is talked about the role of women but less is understood or recognised about their technological prowess. It is, therefore, a pleasure to see Pooran Wynarczyk and Marina Ranga's edited volume as a rich and textured compendium of critical knowledge about technology, innovation and commercialisation by women and for all who benefit from productive technological change.” (Jay Mitra, Professor at University of Essex, UK)

“As the Editors and contributors point out, despite increasingly impressive academic attainments, women remain under-represented in many STEM fields; this text offers insightful analysis and debate exploring the implications of such wasted potential.  I would highly recommend it as a critical and well-crafted addition to contemporary debate regarding gender, women and STEM. “ (Susan Marlow, Professor at University of Nottingham, UK)

“The focus of global scientific research has shifted from basic to applied research and innovation, for which one of the primary indicators is patents granted. Women scientists and engineers are obtaining patents at significantly lower rates than their male peers, which hurts them financially and in their professional advancement. Using a gendered lens, this volume explores many facets of women’s contributions to the commercialization of new technology, hence advancing knowledge and broadening the current understanding of the dynamics and implications of the phenomenon.” (Sue V. Rosser, Professor at San Francisco State University, USA)

“The book takes a fresh look at the question of gender equality, this time in the field of technology commercialization - a key issue for the  knowledge economy of the 21st century. Based on the various experiences presented through the book chapters , it reveals new facets of women's under-representation in technology development and its road to market . The number of top women scientists contributing to technological applications is not small, but their names areunknown because they often remain overshadowed by men.” (Dr. Aleksandra Milosavljevic, Research Associate at Mining and Metallurgy Institute Bor, Serbia)

Pooran Wynarczyk is former Director of Small Enterprise Research Unit at Newcastle University, UK. She was awarded a ‘Personal Chair’ at the University in 2000. Her   publication on open innovation in SMEs achieved an ‘Emerald Literati Network Awards for   Excellence’ in 2014.

Marina Ranga works with European Commission’s Directorate General Joint Research Centre in Seville, Spain. She currently chairs the EC Advisory Group on H2020 “Spreading Excellence and Widening Participation” and is a member of the UN-ECE Team of Experts on innovation and Competitiveness Policy.