From stand-up to start-up: exploring entrepreneurship competences and STEM womens intention

Abstract: This study seeks to explore the relationship between entrepreneurship competencies and intention (EI) of a sample of potential STEM entrepreneurs in order to assess the conventional assumption on women exhibiting lower rates of entrepreneurship intention than men and that the lack of competence perceived is a higher barrier to be an entrepreneur for them. The model used for the analysis takes as reference the Entrepreneurship Competences Framework (EntreComp) proposed by the European Commission (EC) as a common guide to inspire entrepreneurship education. Data gathering is based on a structured questionnaire. The conducted analysis uses Students t test means comparison and factor analysis to define the model of competences, and a multiple regression model to study the relationship between competences and skill factors in EI. Findings do not validate the hypothesis that women have fewer entrepreneurship intentions than men. Also, slight differences on the self-perceived competences are obtained by gender. In addition, the study confirms the hypothesis of a positive relationship between competences and EI, but here gender is not a moderating factor. Results are expected to contribute to the entrepreneurship competences debate and provide useful insights of application in entrepreneurship education with orientation towards the business creation.