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Network collaboration for local and regional development the case of Swedish women entrepreneurs
University West, School of Business, Economics and IT, Division of Media and Design. (LINA iAIL)ORCID iD: 0000-0002-2118-2152
University West, School of Business, Economics and IT, Division of Business Administration. (LINA iAIL)ORCID iD: 0000-0002-1991-4588
2020 (English)In: International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, ISSN 1476-1297, E-ISSN 1741-8054, Vol. 41, no 4, p. 539-561Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The aim of this study is to explore women entrepreneurs participation in networks with focus on local community collaboration. In recent years interest in the importance of women entrepreneurship worldwide has increased, especially from the viewpoint of local and regional development. Previous studies show that local competitors coordinated in networks can gain cross sector knowledge sharing and boost the attractiveness of a region. Using case study methodology with 14 qualitative semi-structured in-depth interviews in two phases with business counselors and women entrepreneurs, participatory observations and document studies, this study explores women entrepreneurs in smaller cities and their collaboration in networks with particular reference to a Swedish context. Results state that women entrepreneurs are active and participate in various local community networks and that networks are viewed as valuable assets for business development. Women entrepreneurs strategically choose to join strong networks that have an impact on local community development. Challenges faced by women entrepreneurs are mainly related to the role as entrepreneur and running a business in a smaller city. However, some specific gendered challenges are lack of trust or respect from other business and public actors, especially in contact with authorities. The women entrepreneurs have mixed experiences of local community support hence the main sources for renewal processes and knowledge sharing are co-owners, staff, digital tools, networks partners, families and friends.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
InderScience Publishers, 2020. Vol. 41, no 4, p. 539-561
Keywords [en]
network collaboration; women entrepreneurs; local and regional; digital, innovation; tourism; Sweden
National Category
Business Administration
Research subject
Work Integrated Learning; Production Technology
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hv:diva-13813DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2020.111578OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hv-13813DiVA, id: diva2:1308045
Available from: 2019-04-30 Created: 2019-04-30 Last updated: 2023-06-04Bibliographically approved

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Bernhard, IréneOlsson, Anna Karin

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