Encouraging women's entrepreneurship in the sciences: Women in veterinary medicine

Henry, Colette; Baillie, Sarah; Treanor, Lorna

Abstract

Purpose – The chapter aims to explore women's entrepreneurship in the sciences, specifically, veterinary medicine, and to highlight future potential.

Methodology/approach – Following a review of the extant literature, the chapter employs a single case approach to explore the experiences of a woman academic entrepreneur in the field of veterinary medicine.

Findings – The findings support the view that women are significantly under-represented in the sciences (SET/STEM) both as professionals and as entrepreneurs. The chapter also finds that, due to a relatively low number of veterinary professionals currently working in industry and/or commercialisable research areas, the sector offers significant potential for entrepreneurship, particularly among women veterinarians.

Research limitations/implications – Despite providing rich and meaningful insights that enhance understanding, the single case approach limits the potential for generalising the findings.

Practical implications – Given the significant increase in the number of women entering veterinary education in recent years, the chapter has important implications for how gender is considered in the promotion of entrepreneurship within veterinary medicine curricula.

Social implications – In view of the imminent gender shift within the profession, the case discussed in this chapter serves as an important role model to encourage more women to engage in entrepreneurship.

Originality/value of chapter – As one of the few studies offering insights on women's entrepreneurship in veterinary medicine, this chapter helps enhance our understanding of the field.

• Publication Date: Nov 12, 2010
• Deposit Date: Feb 19, 2024
• Publisher: Emerald
• Pages: 15-33
• Series Title: Contemporary Issues in Entrepreneurship Research
• Series ISSN: 2040-7246
• Book Title: Innovating Women: Contributions to Technological Advancement: Volume 1
• Chapter Number: 2
• ISBN: 9780857243355
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/s2040-7246%282010%290000001007
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/29841413
• Publisher URL: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/S2040-7246(2010)0000001007/full/html