Even though the number of working women has steadily increased over the
last few years, women are still significantly under-represented in STEM
activities (i.e. mathematics, informatics, science and technology).
In order to eliminate this under-representation, numerous education
policies and corporate initiatives, particularly in the recent past,
have been aimed at increasing women's enthusiasm for STEM activities and
professions. According to the latest surveys, however, it is clear that
these efforts have not yet led to the desired success. Compared to their
male counterparts, women continue to do fewer STEM activities.
One possible reason for this is that relatively little is yet known
about the concrete impact of the above education policies on working
with innovation and technology: What are the gender differences between
women and men? Is it enough to recognize these differences, or should
these differences ideally not only be recognized, but also treated
appropriately or even encouraged?
This anthology deals with current topics in technology and innovation
management against the background of these and other gender-relevant
aspects. Empirical analyses and experiments in collaboration with
companies from various sectors provide a sound scientific basis on which
new results and findings are presented: How do women and men deal with
creativity and competition? How are technologies applied and how can
differences in access to technology be deduced?
Answers to these and other questions help decision-makers in politics
and business to proactively use the differences between women and men to
motivate women to work in the STEM field and to strengthen them by
acknowledging existing differences.
