A Bibliometric Analysis of Women Entrepreneurship: Current Trends and Challenges

Abstract

This study conducts a bibliometric and altmetric analysis of women’s entrepreneurship, examining research trends, challenges, and contributions to sustainable development. By analyzing 6729 journal articles from the Web of Science (1975–2024), this study employs citation analysis, co-citation analysis, and co-word analysis, alongside altmetric indicators, to assess research impact. Visualization tools such as VOSViewer (version 16.20) were used to map the scholarly landscape. Key findings highlight critical themes, including gender disparities, financial barriers, socio-cultural challenges, and digital transformation, underscoring the crucial role of women entrepreneurs in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study identifies major research clusters, leading authors, and institutions that shape the field, while also revealing regional disparities in research output. The growing prevalence of open-access research has enhanced knowledge dissemination, yet access to financial and technological resources remains a challenge for women entrepreneurs. This study emphasizes the need for targeted policies to improve access to finance, digital tools, and entrepreneurial education, fostering an enabling ecosystem for women-led businesses. By integrating traditional bibliometric techniques with altmetrics, this research provides a comprehensive assessment of global trends in women’s entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights for academics, policymakers, and practitioners. It contributes to the literature on gender and entrepreneurship by identifying emerging themes and gaps, advocating for inclusive policies and enhanced support mechanisms to drive sustainable economic growth.

1. Introduction

Women constitute half of the global population and play a crucial role in economic and social advancement. The recent surge in women’s entrepreneurship underscores their pivotal contribution to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aligns with their innate creative abilities and capacity for opportunity recognition. This surge has led to the emergence of innovative and socially responsible business practices that enhance societal well-being and contribute to sustainable development [1]. The 2023–2024 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report highlights that approximately 274 million women were engaged in new entrepreneurial ventures in 2023, up from 231 million in 2019 [2]. This increase emphasizes the significant variability in women’s entrepreneurial activities across different economic contexts, which is heavily influenced by sociocultural factors [2].

This study incorporates interdisciplinary insights from sociology, policy studies, and gender research to enrich the discourse on women’s entrepreneurship by highlighting the structural inequalities, policy frameworks, and power dynamics that shape entrepreneurial opportunities and constraints. Sociological perspectives emphasize the role of social capital and cultural expectations, while gender-focused policy research sheds light on how institutional support—or its absence—can either mitigate or reinforce existing gender disparities in entrepreneurial ecosystems [3,4]. These cross-disciplinary approaches deepen the understanding of the complex socio-political landscape within which women entrepreneurs operate and offer holistic pathways for inclusive development.

Scholarly work in this area has evolved to explore diverse themes, including motivational drivers, barriers, and the impact of women’s entrepreneurship. It employs a variety of theoretical frameworks, including cross-cultural cognitive models for new venture creation [5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17].

Recent statistics indicate that the growth of women’s entrepreneurship has mainly been influenced by digital transformation, which has democratized access to markets and resources, enabling women to overcome traditional barriers to business entry. For instance,

Table 1. Drivers of women’s entrepreneurship growth influenced by digital transformation.

Driver	Description
Digital Literacy Enhancement	Enhancing digital literacy among women entrepreneurs enables them to leverage digital tools effectively, boosting their business operations and market reach.
Access to Online Markets	Digital platforms can open up new markets for women entrepreneurs, providing opportunities to sell products and services to a wider audience.
Networking Opportunities	Digital technologies facilitate connections with mentors, peers, and customers, expanding business networks and support systems.
Flexible Work Environments	The adoption of digital tools allows for flexible working conditions, which is particularly beneficial for women managing business and family commitments.
Skill Development Platforms	Online courses and webinars can help women entrepreneurs continuously upgrade their skills and stay competitive.
E-commerce Adoption	Leveraging e-commerce platforms can help women entrepreneurs reach a broader customer base and increase their sales.
Digital Financial Services	Access to digital banking, online payments, and financial management tools can enhance the financial inclusivity of women entrepreneurs.
Social Media Marketing	Utilizing social media platforms for marketing can boost brand visibility and customer engagement at low costs.
Online Support Communities	Digital forums and communities provide a platform for sharing experiences, gaining advice, and mutual support.
Innovative Business Models	Digital tools enable the exploration of new business models, such as subscription services or on-demand platforms.
Customer Relationship Management	Digital technologies allow for efficient customer data management, improving customer service and retention.
Market Research Tools	Online tools can facilitate market analysis and consumer trend tracking, helping entrepreneurs make informed decisions.
Digital Branding	A strong online presence can enhance brand recognition and credibility, attracting more customers.
Automation of Business Processes	Automation tools can streamline business operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
Digital Product Development	Technologies like 3D printing and AI can aid in product innovation and customization.

lists various drivers of women’s entrepreneurship growth influenced by digital transformation, along with descriptions of how these drivers operate [18].

Another telling indicator of these entrepreneurs’ adoption of digital technologies is the percentage distribution across various business sectors with a strong predominance of e-commerce and e-retail [19], as depicted in Figure 1. Furthermore, integrating feminist economic and entrepreneurship theories provides a deeper understanding of these dynamics, highlighting how gender influences economic interactions and entrepreneurial success [20]. Governmental and institutional support has also played a crucial role, with policies that enhance women’s access to capital, training, and networks that are essential in fostering environments conducive to women-led enterprises. This interdisciplinary approach, drawing from gender, economic geography, and development studies, enriches the understanding of women’s entrepreneurship [21].

However, it is essential to note that literature reviews on women’s entrepreneurship often face criticism for their limited scope and lack of an interdisciplinary approach. This underscores the need for more robust technology-driven methodologies to enhance the breadth and depth of the analysis. Traditional reviews have tended to focus narrowly on specific areas, such as internationalization, rural entrepreneurship, or participation in STEM fields, typically drawing from journals centered on commerce and management without incorporating insights from sociological or political science perspectives. This approach has been criticized for potential biases due to the arbitrary selection of publications and the failure to comprehensively integrate various research themes within the broader field [22]. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the global economy, significantly affecting women’s businesses. Studies have shown that women entrepreneurs face considerable challenges during the pandemic, often exacerbated by structural inequality. However, these challenges have yet to be resolved. Some studies indicate that women have been adept at adapting their business models to navigate these challenges, such as pivoting to online platforms, which has frequently resulted in increased revenues [23].

A recent systematic review conducted by Fernandez et al. [24] analyzed 28 studies from the Web of Science Core Collection, spanning from 1980 to 2021, with a focus on sustainable entrepreneurship among women. Raman et al. [25,26,27] expanded the scope by analyzing the literature published between 1991 and 2021 to better map the development of research and related opportunities for enhancing studies on women entrepreneurship. These reviews identify a consistent trend in which women-led businesses are more likely to adopt sustainability-oriented practices than those led by men, demonstrating a higher inclination towards leveraging their knowledge, experience, and service quality to produce environmentally and socially beneficial impacts. Overall, these developments in the literature from 2020 onward reflect the growing recognition of the integral role that women entrepreneurs play in driving sustainable development across various sectors, including tourism, where their influence is notably pronounced [24,25,26,27].

Offering an update and extension of these existing studies, this study utilizes a robust bibliometric and altmetric analysis approach to address these gaps, covering the period from 1975 to 2024, given the significant increase in studies on women’s entrepreneurship, as outlined in the extant literature [24,28,29]. The main objective of this study, in addition to offering the latest updates in bibliometric analysis of these themes through 2024, is to allow for a detailed analysis of publications, citations, authors, journals, institutions, and social media impacts, providing a nuanced understanding of the field. Using sophisticated data-analytical tools for citation analysis and visualization ensures the rigor and reliability of research [21,30]. Furthermore, this study contributes to the literature by linking women’s entrepreneurship with the UN’s SDGs and exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The significant growth in women’s entrepreneurship, particularly in developing nations, presents a promising opportunity to contribute to SDGs. Despite increasing awareness among women entrepreneurs regarding their roles in fostering sustainable development, research in this area remains sparse. However, the potential of women’s entrepreneurship to contribute to sustainable development is a cause for optimism [21,30].

This study aims to comprehensively analyze the literature on women’s entrepreneurship, identifying key research themes and gaps, particularly regarding sustainable development and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. By doing so, it seeks to inform future research directions and policy making addressing the pressing global challenges that women entrepreneurs face. This study outlines the research development in this field, followed by the methodology, findings, and discussion of the results. This paper concludes with implications for future research and the current study’s limitations. By integrating these current themes into the analysis, this research not only extends the understanding of women entrepreneurs’ contributions but also explores the broader implications of their ventures for advancing global sustainable development and resilience in the face of global challenges.

2. Literature Review

Ahl [20] noted that Schwartz’s foundational paper on women’s entrepreneurship (1976) initiated academic exploration through interviews with 20 women entrepreneurs to investigate their characteristics, motivations, and attitudes. Following this seminal work, the field experienced slow progression in research output until a notable acceleration in publication frequency occurred after 2015. Brush et al. [21] observed that, while the period from 1975 to 2006 saw modest growth in scholarly output, the pace of research publications increased steadily from 2006 to 2014, averaging fewer than 250 publications annually. This growth trajectory changed dramatically from 2014 onwards, with publications exceeding 750 per year on average.

Over the past four decades, numerous sociocultural and sociopolitical changes have significantly influenced women’s entrepreneurship. Technological advancements have heightened the societal awareness of gender equality, and evolving regulatory and institutional frameworks that support women in business have played critical roles in shaping the motivations, nature, and scope of women’s entrepreneurial endeavors. In recent years, sustainable entrepreneurship has emerged as a significant focus in entrepreneurship research, focusing on sustainability goals and entrepreneurial initiatives. This approach to entrepreneurship emphasizes the integration of social and environmental objectives into fundamental business strategies, aiming to minimize adverse impacts on the environment and society while pursuing economic and ethical goals [31]. Such sustainable business practices are directly linked to the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its 17 SDGs, with SDG 5 on gender equality being particularly pertinent. This goal advocates for equal rights for women to access economic resources.

Mahajan and Bandhopadhyay’s [28] research underscores the influence of women-led enterprises in achieving various SDGs, including those focused on poverty reduction, health improvement, quality education, and climate action. Their findings, derived from case studies across continents, indicate that women entrepreneurs contribute significantly to multiple SDGs, although these links are often inferred from qualitative data rather than systematically quantified. Further empirical studies highlight the nuanced applications of sustainable entrepreneurship among women business owners. Research on women entrepreneurs from India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Nigeria reveals that their business models frequently emphasize community engagement, fair trade practices, and environmental sustainability [28]. Goncalves et al. [5,6,11,12,13,14,16,17] have also focused on the drivers of women entrepreneurs in Mexico, Lebanon, Greece, Iran, Ireland, and Kazakhstan, examining their demands, constraints, and choices. Their motivations are often intertwined with personal goals, cultural norms, and economic conditions, which contrast with findings from advanced economies, where key motivations include financial autonomy, family support, societal betterment, and personal fulfillment. They also frequently highlight the complex interplay of societal, economic, and personal factors that influence these entrepreneurs. Despite significant hurdles, women entrepreneurs demonstrate remarkable adaptability and resilience, balancing familial responsibilities with business pursuits. These entrepreneurs prioritize trading with economically disadvantaged communities, skill development, fair pricing, the equitable treatment of staff, and the maintenance of environmentally friendly business operations.

As argued by Alakaleek et al. [32], significant concerns persist in numerous global regions regarding gender disparities and their impact on economic growth opportunities. Women entrepreneurship, increasingly vital in a globalized economy, draws considerable attention from policymakers due to its role in job creation, enhancing competitiveness, and modernizing economic frameworks [33]. Furthermore, sustainability is crucial in shaping the future economic landscape. Integrating women’s entrepreneurship with sustainability presents an important area for exploration in pursuit of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [34]. Nonetheless, despite the importance of this theme and relatively substantial increase in interest by researchers in the field, knowledge gaps exist, necessitating further investigation.

The significant academic and policy interest in women’s entrepreneurship as a driver of economic innovation underscores the need for rigorous research methodologies, such as bibliometric analysis. This analytical approach in this study offers invaluable insights by synthesizing existing research, delineating the field’s evolution, and identifying prevailing trends and knowledge gaps. As the field continues to expand, bibliometric analysis is crucial for systematically reviewing the vast array of scholarly work and guiding future research directions [35]. This study provides both quantitative and qualitative data that help shape research trajectories, inform policy making, and influence entrepreneurial practices. The adopted methodology also facilitates the recognition of influential works and authors, promotes global collaborations, and highlights underexplored areas that may yield substantial advancements. By enhancing the visibility and legitimacy of women’s entrepreneurship research, this bibliometric analysis aims not only to chart a path for current and future inquiries but also to ensure that the scholarly community remains at the forefront of addressing the dynamic challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. As such, this approach is indispensable in advancing the academic and practical understanding of women’s entrepreneurship, making it a fundamental aspect of ongoing and future scholarly endeavors.

3. Research Methods and Approach

This study employed a bibliometric review methodology, a specific form of systematic review (SR) that requires a comprehensive dataset of extant research to be effective [36,37]. Unlike traditional literature reviews, SRs are structured around defined protocols that enhance the reproducibility and transparency of findings [38]. For data retrieval, this investigation relied on Web of Sciences, chosen for its comprehensive and diverse range of research information, publications, and citations [39], which facilitated the extraction of bibliographic data on women’s entrepreneurship from 1975 to 2024, providing a rich and extensive dataset for our bibliometric review.

3.1. Systematic Review and Scientometric Assessment

The popularity of bibliometric methods in literature reviews has increased. These methods are noted for their ability to discern and analyze research outputs through keyword-driven searches [40]. Visualizations of Similarities (VOS) viewer software version 16.20 was utilized in this analysis to perform bibliographic mapping and keyword co-occurrence analysis. Recent studies, such as Linnenluecke et al. [41], support this technique. They demonstrated the utility of VOSViewer in creating keyword maps that illustrate the relationships within scholarly networks, effectively highlighting the structural and functional shifts within the data [42]. They were instrumental in visualizing and analyzing the evolution of research trends in women’s entrepreneurship over the past five decades.

This study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure methodological rigor. Because of its comprehensive nature, PRISMA is well suited to complex data arrays typical in bibliometric analyses [43]. This methodological framework supports the transparency and replicability of this review. It contributes significantly to the existing literature by providing a detailed, systematic exploration of women’s entrepreneurship and emphasizing recent developments influenced by global health and environmental challenges. The findings’ potential impact on understanding and promoting women’s entrepreneurship is promising and offers hope for future research and policy development.

To expand the data analysis beyond traditional bibliometric indicators, altmetrics (an article-level metric) were adopted to complement conventional bibliometric indicators, such as citation counts and journal impact factors, and capture the broader impact of research through social media and online platforms [44,45].

3.2. Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for this review were initially established to include journal articles, theses, dissertations, editorials, reviews, books, book chapters, proceedings papers, and other scientific texts that explored aspects of women entrepreneurs or entrepreneurship, particularly those studies linking to the SDG 5 and the impacts of COVID-19 between 1975 and 2024. Additionally, this review considered published and early-access articles within the business or management categories listed in the Web of Science database. All the scientific texts considered in this review must be written in English.

3.3. Data Source

In executing bibliometric analysis, it is essential to incorporate a diverse array of document types to ensure the thorough aggregation of scholarly dialogue and scientific progression. Full-text articles provide substantive content of research discoveries; reviews consolidate knowledge and delineate evolving patterns; editorials provide interpretative perspectives and scholarly opinions indicative of the field’s dynamics; conference proceedings encapsulate forefront research presentations; abstracts facilitate a swift assessment of research breadth; technical papers detail intricate technical discoveries; and chronologies delineate the historical development and key milestones within a discipline [43]. This comprehensive methodological framework fosters a profound comprehension of the research milieu, patterns of scholarly communication, and intellectual evolution within a field, thereby aiding in identifying foundational works and nascent trends vital for academic insight and practical implementation.

The Clarivate Analytics Web of Science Core Collection database was selected to retrieve high-impact and valuable research data, comparing favorably with other prominent databases, such as Scopus, EBSCO, Dimensions, and Google Scholar. This database was chosen for its distinct advantages, notably, the following: (1) It offers the most current platform for bibliometric analyses, encompassing a vast array of publications and recent acceptances by esteemed journals [46]. (2) It provides a diverse range of publication types including full-text articles, reviews, editorials, conference proceedings (both journal and book-based), abstracts, technical papers, and chronologies, unlike Scopus, which does not catalog chronologies or historical timelines as it prioritizes scientific documents and bibliographic details over historical data [47]. (3) It contains over 90 million records, surpassing the 69 million records found in Scopus [46]. (4) It offers broader temporal coverage compared to Scopus [45]. (5) It yields consistent results for identical queries, maintaining similar search parameters over time [43,45]. Consequently, the Web of Science is the most updated, accurate, efficient, and reliable database for conducting detailed scientometric analyses with extensive temporal reach [47]. The selection of this database aligns with previous bibliometric investigations of business management, as evidenced by several studies [47,48,49]. Moreover, this study used online blogs, reports, and articles to collate illustrative data on women entrepreneurs and their current trends and challenges.

3.4. Data Acquisition and Methodology

Following the best practices suggested in the literature to select a search query [46], an in-depth analysis of the abstracts, author keywords, and literature reviews of published research articles at the junction of women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship was conducted to assist in the identification of concepts that are being used in scholarly discussions. After several iterations to define a broad research query, the following query was selected and implemented to capture the essence of women’s entrepreneurship effectively:

Written in English; keywords, title, and summary in English. These specifications were chosen to link the study objective to the research area, and a series of exclusion criteria were applied to the latter. The inclusion criteria were as follows.

‘entrepren* women AND female’, ‘entrepreneurship OR entrepreneurism AND SDG: 5’, ‘entrepreneurism OR SDG: 5 AND entrepreneur* ’, ‘COVID* AND SDG: 5’, ‘trends AND entrepreneur* challenges’, AND ‘marianismo’, OR ‘SDG: 5 and entrepreneurs* ’, ‘SDG: 5 AND marianismo’, ‘entrepreneurship theories AND femi*’ ‘female’.

An ‘*’ indicates that variations on the word’s ending were permitted. The search string was commensurate with recent systematic reviews and meta-analysis studies [46].

4. Selection Process

This protocol involves assembling, arranging, and assessing data. It involved organizing a dataset of 6547 publications in the language (English) and category (women and entrepreneurs) filters in place from the Web of Science Core Collection database, 94 publications related to the SDGs, and 79 publications that included COVID-19-related terms in their titles or abstracts, ensuring a thorough and comprehensive analysis. The selection process resulted in a total initial sample of 6720 studies.

To refine these results, only the studies published in entrepreneurship, business, or gender studies journals were filtered out for further analysis, excluding 698 studies and reducing the sample to 6022. Subsequently, a revision of the titles and abstracts of these articles was conducted to determine the relevance of each article to the scholarly discourse on women or female entrepreneurship. This manual review process weeded out 480 articles that were completely unrelated to the field (e.g., results for the search term marianismo leading to topics covering psychosocial processes within Latino communities or searches for the terms entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, neuro-entrepreneurship, and omni-entrepreneurship, resulting in hits that involved studies on international entrepreneurship theory studies; or searches for the term COVID*, yielding results on studies dedicated to the COVID-19 pandemic). This resulted in 5542 studies that were considered for further screening. Next, 58 duplicate records were removed, resulting in 5484 unique studies. These studies were then analyzed in depth based on the complete text, and the following inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied:

• Inclusion Criterion: The articles focused on women or female entrepreneurship concepts, knowledge, or methods to investigate the trends and challenges in the sector or the ramifications of COVID-19 and/or the United Nations’ SDG 5 and social entrepreneurship.
• Exclusion Criterion: The exclusion criteria used to select the documents were research articles, review articles, letters to the editor, conference summaries, and lectures. No geographical restrictions were applied as studies from different continents related to the variables and research areas found in the Web of Science databases were considered in this review. Studies focusing on utilizing women entrepreneurship and women entrepreneurs in other niche branches of entrepreneurship studies, such as neuro-entrepreneurship, neuro-entrepreneurs, and omni-entrepreneurs, were intentionally not included in the sample to dedicate this study.

After applying these inclusion and exclusion criteria to the initially identified dataset of 5484 studies, 111 did not meet the inclusion criterion and thus were not considered for further analysis. Additionally, 338 studies were excluded based on the exclusion criterion. Furthermore, the reference lists of all articles retrieved from the search were manually reviewed to identify additional studies that may fit the objectives of this study; however, no additional relevant articles were identified. Hence, the final dataset comprised 5035 focal articles (3557 journal articles, 897 proceedings papers, 464 book chapters, 74 reviews, and 43 editorial materials), which is comparable to the sample size of similar studies in the field [50,51]. A flowchart depicting this process is shown in Figure 2.

VOSViewer is a vital tool for conducting bibliometric analysis. This enabled the visualization of bibliographic data to explore the evolution and current trends in the field of women’s entrepreneurship. VOSViewer facilitated the mapping of significant research themes, authorship patterns, and citation networks, offering a graphical representation of the relationships among various research areas. This approach allowed for an insightful analysis of key themes, such as gender disparities, financial challenges, and socio-cultural barriers, which are essential for understanding the challenges and opportunities in women’s entrepreneurship.

5. Data Analysis and Findings

As part of the bibliometric analysis, using VOSViewer in this study was crucial in identifying and illustrating the interconnectedness of various research themes, highlighting the dense and vibrant scholarly networks that contribute to the body of knowledge on women’s entrepreneurship. By analyzing data from the Web of Science database, VOSViewer helped consolidate large datasets into comprehensible visual maps, demonstrating how different topics relate and evolve. This approach enriches our understanding of the field’s developmental trajectory and emphasizes emerging trends and ongoing gaps in the literature. Integrating VOSViewer into the bibliometric analysis underscores this study’s rigorous and data-driven research methodologies, enhancing the transparency and reproducibility of the findings and laying a solid foundation for further scholarly inquiry and policy formulation aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs worldwide.

5.1. Bibliometric Analysis

The bibliometric analysis included a thorough review of decades of the literature and utilized advanced tools to map significant trends and themes in research on women’s entrepreneurship. The network visualization depicted in Figure 3 provides a structured overview, showing how interconnected themes and research areas have developed over time within the academic study of women’s entrepreneurship. The network diagram reveals a comprehensive range of themes dominating women’s entrepreneurship research from 1975 to 2024. It underscores the multifaceted nature of the field, highlighting pivotal areas such as gender disparities, financial barriers, sociocultural influences, and the impact of digital transformation on women-led businesses. Visualization serves as a foundational tool for identifying both well-trodden and emerging research paths, guiding future inquiries and policy formulations aimed at fostering an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs. These themes reflect a diverse and dynamic field of research that addresses various aspects of women’s entrepreneurship from individual-level factors to broader economic and policy contexts. Each theme is interconnected, illustrating the complexity and multidisciplinary nature of the research in this area.

• Gender and Entrepreneurship: This theme encompasses research focusing on the role of gender in entrepreneurship. It explores how gender influences entrepreneurial opportunities, challenges, and outcomes, including studies on gender disparities and women’s barriers in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Digital Entrepreneurship: This area highlights the impact of digital technologies on entrepreneurship, including women entrepreneurs’ use of digital tools and platforms to access markets, resources, and networks and how digital transformation influences the creation and growth of women-led businesses.
• Innovation and Business Performance: Extant studies significantly focus on innovation in business practices and its impact on the performance of women-led firms. These studies include studies on business models and innovative strategies and their effects on firm growth and sustainability.
• Economic and Social Impact: This theme explores the wider economic and social implications of women’s entrepreneurship, including its contribution to economic growth, community development, and the achievement of the SDGs.
• Policy and Institutional Support: This theme focuses on the influence of governmental and institutional support on women entrepreneurs and explores the role of policies, programs, and legal frameworks in facilitating or hindering the success of women-owned businesses.
• Education and Skill Development: This category addresses the importance of education and training in empowering women entrepreneurs. It includes research on educational programs and skill development initiatives and their role in enhancing women’s entrepreneurial capacities.
• Sociocultural Factors: This theme explores the sociocultural dynamics influencing women’s entrepreneurship, including societal norms, cultural expectations, and familial influences on their choices and opportunities in this field.
• Financial Access and Resources: A critical area of research examines the financial challenges that women entrepreneurs encounter, such as accessing capital, credit, and other financial resources necessary for starting and growing businesses.
• Networking and Collaboration: This theme examines the networks and collaborative ecosystems that either support or constrain women entrepreneurs. It encompasses studies on the influence of professional networks, mentorship, and community support on the success of women-led enterprises.
• Sustainable Entrepreneurship: This theme explores the intersection of entrepreneurship and sustainability. It investigates how women entrepreneurs integrate sustainable practices into their businesses while contributing to their environmental and social sustainability objectives.

Figure 4 depicts a significant branch of studies in the literature related to the broader networks of themes identified in Figure 3. This detailed subset focuses on specific themes of digital entrepreneurship and education within the context of women’s entrepreneurship. This highlights the essential role of technological advancements and educational frameworks in shaping the experiences and opportunities available to women entrepreneurs. By exploring the connections between digital tools, educational initiatives, and entrepreneurial success, this visualization underscores the evolving trends and necessary support systems that can empower women to thrive in increasingly digital and global business environments.

• Business and Innovation: Central to visualization, these themes highlight the essential elements of entrepreneurship research. The business node includes various aspects of business management and performance, whereas the innovation node pertains to developing new products, services, and business models. This shows the strong emphasis on how women entrepreneurs innovate in their industries and the effects of these innovations on their businesses.
• Entrepreneurship Education: This theme is closely linked to students and education, pointing to the significant role of educational initiatives in nurturing future women entrepreneurs. This may include curricula that foster entrepreneurial skills, critical thinking, and management capabilities, which are essential for successful entrepreneurship.
• Digital Entrepreneurship: This theme, highlighted by its connection to technology and innovation, explores how women entrepreneurs leverage digital tools and platforms to start, manage, and grow their businesses. This suggests a focus on the digital transformation of entrepreneurship and how women navigate this landscape.

These themes reflect a comprehensive approach to studying women’s entrepreneurship, emphasizing not only the economic and educational dimensions but also the influence of digital innovation. Each theme is interconnected, illustrating a complex network of influences that affect women’s entrepreneurial activities. This highlights the diversity of research in this field and underscores the multidisciplinary approach needed to fully understand and support women entrepreneurs.

Figure 5 investigates the complex web of factors influencing women’s entrepreneurship. It highlights key areas such as innovation, social impact, policy, and education, demonstrating how interconnected and multidimensional the field of women’s entrepreneurship is. Each node and link sheds light on the crucial aspects shaping women’s roles in the business world, from ground-level individual factors, such as self-efficacy and intentions, to broader economic and social influences. This visualization encapsulates the synergy between various research themes and underscores the importance of a holistic approach to understanding and fostering women’s entrepreneurial success. It emphasizes the complexity and multidimensional nature of the field through several primary nodes, highlighting their interconnectedness and broader implications for research and practice.

• Innovation: This node is prominently linked to other key areas, such as corporate entrepreneurship, performance, and social entrepreneurship, underscoring its critical role in driving new business models and social change. Innovation within the realm of women’s entrepreneurship is portrayed as technological or product innovation, as well as innovative ways to tackle social issues and improve business performance.
• Entrepreneurship Education: This node connects to university, students, and intentions, illustrating the foundational role of education in shaping entrepreneurial intentions and capabilities. These linkages strongly emphasize how educational programs and universities prepare students, particularly women, for entrepreneurial careers, highlighting the importance of curricula that foster practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Policy and Economic Development: These nodes are closely associated with governance, employment, and economic growth. The network suggests a robust dialogue on how policies influence the economic impact of entrepreneurship, with a focus on how such policies can enhance job creation, economic diversification, and inclusive growth. This also implies a significant interest in how governance structures support or hinder the scaling of women-led enterprises in various economic contexts.
• Social Entrepreneurship and Impact: This cluster connects the social dimensions of entrepreneurship with its broader impacts, reflecting a research focus on how businesses led by women not only seek profitability but also address societal challenges. It ties with sustainability themes, suggesting that women entrepreneurs are often at the forefront of integrating social goals with business models.
• Networks and Performance: The centrality of the network’s nodes linked to performance and corporate entrepreneurship underlines the importance of networks in enhancing business outcomes. This connection points to the value of professional and social networks in providing support, resources, and opportunities for women entrepreneurs, which is crucial for business success and sustainability.
• Gender and Employment: Positioned near the gender node are employment and self-employment, highlighting the critical research focus on labor market dynamics and the role of entrepreneurship in promoting gender equality in employment. This theme explored how entrepreneurship serves as a pathway for women to overcome traditional employment barriers and achieve economic independence.

5.2. Open-Access Versus Close-Access Publications

Open-access research publications provide significant advantages to the scientific community, policymakers, and the general public by ensuring unrestricted access to scholarly work [52,53]. This mode of publication eliminates barriers to knowledge dissemination, such as paywalls or subscription fees, which have traditionally restricted access to research. Open-access publications foster an inclusive and equitable research environment, accelerating knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation by making scientific findings freely available. One of the most critical benefits of open-access research is the increase in visibility and accessibility. Unlike traditional subscription-based journals, anyone can access open-access articles regardless of their institutional affiliation or financial resources. This improved accessibility ensures that research findings reach a wider audience, including researchers in low- and middle-income countries, independent scholars, students, and practitioners who may otherwise encounter financial or infrastructural barriers in accessing the scientific literature. The democratization of knowledge through open-access publications narrows the information gap and enables more equitable participation in the global scientific community.

Open-access journals provide unrestricted access to research findings, thus making them available to a broader audience. This accessibility is crucial for sharing knowledge about women’s entrepreneurship, which thrives through the extensive dissemination to influence academic and practical fields [54]. Increased visibility ensures that insights into women’s entrepreneurship reach policymakers, educators, entrepreneurs, and researchers worldwide, cultivating a supportive ecosystem for women’s business owners. Women’s entrepreneurship frequently encompasses innovative business models and diverse entrepreneurial contexts that may be neglected in traditional journals. Open-access publishing democratizes the distribution of research findings, ensuring that studies, especially those from regions or populations that may lack the means to access closed-access journals, are represented. This inclusivity is vital to building a comprehensive understanding of the global landscape of women’s entrepreneurship.

This bibliometric analysis examines open- and closed-access journal articles on women’s entrepreneurship. Studying these publication trends fosters a more equitable distribution of knowledge and enhances the impact and reach of this research. Additionally, it can help address systemic barriers to disseminating research, ensuring that advancements in understanding and supporting women entrepreneurs are widely and effectively shared [55].

Of the 3557 articles, 2223 were open-access, while 1334 were closed-access. An analysis of the temporal growth of publications highlights an increasing preference for open-access dissemination over the last 50 years. It explores the factors contributing to this shift, including the rise in digital platforms, the demand for equitable access to knowledge, and the broader effects of open-access research on visibility and citation rates [56]. By comparing publication trends, this section provides insights into how open-access research has improved accessibility and the role of scholarships in supporting women’s entrepreneurship.

Figure 6 compares open- and closed-access journal articles on women’s entrepreneurship from 1975 to 2024. Of the 3557 articles, 2223 were open-access, and 1334 were closed-access. This distribution illustrates the growing trend in open-access publications, making research more widely available. The data showed a significant increase in both categories after 2000, with open-access publications exhibiting a steeper growth trajectory than closed-access articles. By 2024, open-access articles greatly outnumbered closed-access articles, indicating a growing preference for the accessible dissemination of research. This trend underscores the role of open-access platforms in enhancing research visibility and fostering broader engagement in studies on women’s entrepreneurship.

Open-access research also plays a pivotal role in accelerating scientific knowledge dissemination. By removing delays caused by paywalls, the findings can be shared rapidly, allowing for timely advancements in research and technology. This speed is particularly crucial in fields that require urgent solutions, such as medicine, climate change, and public health. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, open-access publications have facilitated the rapid exchange of scientific data, enabling researchers, policymakers, and healthcare practitioners to respond to the crisis more effectively. This demonstrates the importance of open-access research in addressing the global challenges that demand coordinated and prompt action. Another significant advantage is the increased impact and citation rate associated with open-access articles. Studies have shown that open-access publications are cited more frequently than their subscription-based counterparts are. Greater visibility and accessibility naturally lead to higher readership, which, in turn, enhances the likelihood of citations. This increased citation rate amplifies the impact of research and contributes to the advancement of the scientific discourse. Furthermore, open-access articles are more likely to be shared on digital platforms such as social media, blogs, and news outlets, extending their reach beyond academia to policymakers, industry professionals, and the general public.

5.3. Publications, Citations’ Trends and Altmetrics

As shown in Figure 7, the literature on women’s entrepreneurship grew slowly over the first two decades, from 1975 to 2010, with more noticeable growth occurring between 2012 and 2018. This suggests that the field began to attract significant interest from scholars around that time, potentially due to the UN’s adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, which officially took effect in January 2016. Since then, there has been increased interest in the literature, highlighted in the yellow-shaded area, particularly from 2019 to 2024, although only partial data are available for this last year.

The relationship between the number of publications and citations over time shows a significant focus on adopting the United Nations’ SDGs in 2015, officially becoming effective in January 2016. The purple bars represent the number of publications, while the dark blue line represents citations, which increased notably after 2015. A sharp rise was observed around 2016, coinciding with SDG implementation, highlighting increased research activity and academic interest in topics aligned with the SDGs. The graph underscores a significant acceleration in publications and citations post-2016, illustrating the role of SDGs in stimulating scholarly output and its broader impact on the academic community. Figure 8 shows the Altmetric Attention Score (AAS) trend graph for 1975–2024, displaying the mean AAS values with a red trendline. The graph reflects consistently low values until the 2000s, with a steep increase post-2015, likely tied to key events, such as SDG adoption.

The trend line in Figure 8 represents the overall long-term pattern of the AAS from 1975 to 2024. It serves as an analytical tool for identifying the general trajectory of change in AAS values over time, smoothing out short-term fluctuations. The positive slope of the trendline indicates a gradual increase in the AAS, suggesting that research and scholarly publications have gained progressively more attention across various channels, such as open-access publications not subject to the typical two-year embargo, more funding sources available to scholars, the availability of online scientific journal platforms, and other secondary sources such as editorials, conference proceedings, op-eds, social media, news outlets, and blogs.

From 1975 to 2000, AAS values remained relatively stable and low. This stability is evidenced by the flat segment of the trendline, likely due to the limited opportunities for data publication and research sharing before the widespread adoption of digital technologies. During this time, research visibility was largely restricted to traditional academic channels, such as journals and conferences, with minimal public exposure. A significant shift occurred during the early 2000s. The upward deviation from the trend illustrates the emergence of online platforms and digital media as tools for promoting and sharing research. The Internet era and the introduction of online versions of scientific journals, along with research-oriented social media platforms such as ResearchGate, Academia.edu, LinkedIn, and Google Scholar, have opened new avenues for the extensive dissemination of scientific work. This period marked the beginning of a steady rise in AAS values as research started reaching audiences beyond the academic community.

The most significant trend emerged around 2015 to 2020 when the graph illustrates a sharp increase in AAS values. This peak corresponds with the adoption of the United Nations’ SDGs in 2015, which brought global attention to sustainability-related research. The SDGs sparked increased public, academic, and media interest in scientific work addressing critical issues related to women’s entrepreneurship, such as gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and reduced inequality (SDG 10).

Consequently, research outputs aligned with these goals experienced substantial engagement across digital platforms, driving AAS values upward. This period highlights the influence of global initiatives in shaping research impact and amplifying its visibility. Although the graph shows a slight decline in AAS values after 2020, the overall upward slope of the trendline underscores the sustained growth in women entrepreneurs’ research attention compared with earlier decades. Evidence from this research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has served as both a challenge and an opportunity for scientific research output between 2019 and 2023. While disruptions were evident, the pandemic amplified research on women entrepreneurs, particularly on resilience, digital transformation, and gender inequalities. This period underscores the importance of women’s economic participation in global recovery efforts, driving policy-oriented and intersectional research. The lessons learned during the pandemic provide a foundation for advancing gender-responsive policies and fostering an inclusive research ecosystem.

The COVID-19 pandemic has temporarily shifted priorities to the global research agenda. While the crisis accelerated research in public health, epidemiology, and vaccine development, it disrupted research activities across many other disciplines owing to lockdowns, resource constraints, and shifting priorities. This disruption extended to gender equality, women’s entrepreneurship, and related disciplines, where the pandemic exposed unique challenges while amplifying the importance of understanding and addressing gendered economic disparities. Consequently, the research output during this period reflected the challenges that women entrepreneurs faced and their strategies to navigate the crisis. The early stages of the pandemic saw paradoxical trends in scientific research. While research output surged in areas directly related to COVID-19, progress in other fields slowed as researchers struggled with restricted access to laboratories, reduced fieldwork opportunities, and constrained funding. However, scholars have increasingly turned to digital tools and secondary data sources to facilitate continued research in economics, social sciences, and entrepreneurship. This period saw a rise in interdisciplinary studies, as the pandemic created a need to address societal challenges, such as economic recovery, resilience, and inequality. Women entrepreneurs emerged as a central focus within this discourse because of the disproportionate difficulties they faced and their role in fostering economic sustainability during the crisis.

The pandemic also prompted an increase in policy-oriented research as governments and international organizations implemented stimulus packages, grants, and support programs to mitigate economic disruptions. Studies during this period evaluated the effectiveness of these policies in supporting women entrepreneurs and revealed gaps in accessibility and implementation, particularly for women in low-income and marginalized communities [56]. These findings underscore the importance of gender-responsive policies to address systemic barriers and foster inclusive economic recovery. Furthermore, the pandemic sheds light on the care economy and its intersection with gender roles, as many women entrepreneurs were burdened with additional caregiving responsibilities alongside their businesses. This research explored the double burden experienced by women, examining how societal expectations around domestic responsibilities constrained their entrepreneurial activities and reduced productivity.

Digital transformation has emerged as a significant research theme as the pandemic accelerated technology adoption among women entrepreneurs. Researchers have examined how digital tools and platforms enable women to maintain operations, access new markets, and overcome mobility restrictions during lockdown. However, these studies highlight the digital divide constraining women’s ability to leverage technology, particularly in developing economies. Issues of digital literacy, Internet access, and technological affordability have become critical focal points for understanding the experiences of women entrepreneurs in digitalized economies.

Intersectional lenses have also emerged as an essential framework in this body of research. Scholars have increasingly recognized that women entrepreneurs from marginalized communities, including rural women, ethnic minorities, and lower-income groups, faced compounded challenges during the pandemic. Intersectional analyses provided richer insights into the diverse experiences of women entrepreneurs and highlighted the need for tailored solutions that address the unique barriers these groups face. This trend marked a significant shift in the research landscape, fostering a more nuanced understanding of gender, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic inequities.

Despite these advancements, the pandemic also challenged research output. Women researchers, particularly those balancing childcare and domestic responsibilities, experienced declines in research productivity. This disproportionately affected studies on gender and entrepreneurship, as women scholars are critical in advancing knowledge in these areas. Additionally, the reallocation of funding toward pandemic-related research created gaps in resources for gender-focused studies. Nevertheless, new funding initiatives emerged to support women’s economic empowerment research, recognizing women entrepreneurs’ critical role in post-pandemic recovery.

5.4. Leading Scholars in the Field

As shown in

Table 2. Top 15 authors of women’s entrepreneurship research publications and their citation counts. Source: Web of Science, November 2024.

Researcher Name	Publication Count (PC)	Citation Count (CC)	Country	Institution
Ferreira, João J.M.	312	7769	Portugal	Universidade da Beira Interior
Dana, Leo P	206	5527	Finland	Dalhousie University
Welter, Friederike	106	7838	Germany	Universitat Siegen
Ramadani, Veland	88	1879	Macedonia	South East European University
Welsh, Dianne H. B.	84	1793	USA	University of North Carolina
Marlow, Susan	71	4127	UK	University of Nottingham
McAdam, Maura	71	2859	Ireland	Dublin City University
Henry, Colette	66	2260	Ireland	Dundalk Institute of Technology
Paoloni, Paola	57	662	Italy	Sapienza University Rome
Kaciak, Eugene	40	849	Poland	Kozminski University
Ahl, Helene	34	2674	Sweden	Jonkoping University
Essers, Caroline	33	1496	The Netherlands	Radboud University Nijmegen
Jennings, Jennifer	33	4422	Canada	University of Alberta
Orser, Barbara	30	1262	Canada	University of Ottawa
Brush, Candida G.	24	1177	USA	Babson College

, the compilation of scholarly contributions from researchers worldwide highlights significant academic outputs across various regions and institutions. Ferreira from the University of Beira Interior, Portugal, leads with a substantial publication count of 312 and a citation count of 7769, reflecting a notable impact in his field. Dana follows, affiliated with Dalhousie University in Canada, boasting 206 publications and 5527 citations. Welter from the University of Siegen, Germany, also demonstrates a strong contribution with 106 publications and a leading citation count of 7838. Other notable contributors include Ramadani from South East European University in Macedonia and Welsh from the University of North Carolina, USA, with publication counts of 88 and 84 and citation counts of 1879 and 1793, respectively. Researchers from the UK, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Canada also show significant scholarly outputs, with Marlow, McAdam, and Henry leading in their respective countries. These data illustrate a diverse geographic distribution of research activity and underscore the global nature of academic discourse in their fields.

Such a compilation of scholarly contributions from various researchers across countries and institutions encapsulates significant insights into academic outputs and their broader implications. High citation counts, such as those achieved by Ferreira from Universidade da Beira Interior and Welter from Universität Siegen, indicate their research’s substantial influence and foundational impact within the academic community. Such metrics highlight individual achievements and underscore the research’s relevance in shaping scholarly discourse and contributing to the field’s evolution.

The geographical diversity of these researchers, from Portugal and Germany to Finland and the United States, reflects the global and interdisciplinary nature of contemporary research endeavors. Institutions that house such prolific scholars often become hubs of academic excellence, attracting collaborative projects, partnerships, and funding. This global network of scholars and institutions facilitates rich cross-disciplinary collaborations that enhance theoretical and methodological advancements across various fields.

From a practical perspective, identifying key researchers and their affiliated institutions can significantly influence policy making and investment in higher education. For instance, recognizing areas of academic excellence can help allocate resources efficiently to foster research and development. Additionally, industries may leverage this information to establish collaborations, set up research and development centers, or engage in strategic partnerships that align with leading research outputs. This synergy between academia and industry is crucial for translating theoretical research into practical applications, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth. Moreover, knowing where influential research is conducted can aid in talent acquisition strategies, helping academia and industry attract leading talents to enhance innovative capabilities. Such insights can also benefit the development of educational curricula, ensuring that academic programs are at the forefront of scientific and technological advancements and meet the current and future needs of students and professionals.

Regarding theoretical contributions, the data on publication and citation counts help in understanding knowledge diffusion within the academic world, illustrating how innovative ideas spread through different regions and research communities. The data also serve as a valuable benchmark for assessing scientific productivity and impact, and it is crucial for academic evaluations and institutional rankings. Integrating such data into strategic academic and industrial decisions can significantly influence educational policies, collaborative ventures, and the broader dissemination of knowledge.

5.5. Leading Institutions in the Field

Table 3. Top 15 institutions’ women entrepreneurship research publication count. Source: Clarivate’s Web of Science, January 2025.

Affiliations	Count
University of London	1190
University of California System	659
State University System of Florida	607
University of North Carolina	517
University System of Ohio	503
Indiana University System	407
University of Texas System	400
Indian Institute of Management IIM System	375
Indiana University Bloomington	366
University System of Georgia	355
California State University System	351
Erasmus University Rotterdam	343
Harvard University	341
Pennsylvania Commonwealth System of Higher Education Pcshe	335
Erasmus University Rotterdam Excl Erasmus Mc	321

, sourced from the Web of Science as of January 2025, outlines the publication count related to women’s entrepreneurship research at top global institutions. The University of London leads significantly with 1190 publications, demonstrating a robust focus on gender and entrepreneurial studies. It is followed by the University of California System and the State University System of Florida, with 659 and 607 publications, respectively, indicating strong research outputs in this area across diverse American educational institutions. Other notable contributors include the University of North Carolina, the University System of Ohio, and the Indiana University System, with each institution showcasing considerable academic engagement in exploring women’s entrepreneurship.

The significance of these data lies in their illustration of the institutional commitment to research on women’s entrepreneurship, highlighting how various universities are pivotal in advancing knowledge and fostering discussions around gender in business. This focus is crucial for understanding the barriers and enablers affecting women entrepreneurs, informing academic theories and practical approaches to enhancing gender equality in entrepreneurship. It underscores the importance of these institutions as knowledge centers influencing policy making, educational curriculum development, and societal norms regarding women’s roles in business and leadership. Furthermore, the presence of multiple systems like those in Indiana and Texas suggests regional academic clusters contributing to specialized research themes within women’s entrepreneurship, which may encourage collaborative studies and cross-institutional partnerships. These data not only aid in identifying key players in the field but also serve as a benchmark for academic contribution and excellence in gender-related entrepreneurial studies.

5.6. Leading Journals in the Field

The data presented in

Table 4. Top 15 leading journals in the field. Source: Clarivate’s Web of Science, January 2025.

Publication Titles	Count
Sustainability	1317
Small Business Economics	689
Journal of Business Research	520
Frontiers in Psychology	517
International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior Research	513
Journal of Business Venturing	444
Journal of Small Business Management	443
International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal	408
Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice	403
Entrepreneurship and Regional Development	359
Journal of Business Ethics	333
Gender Work and Organization	332
International Small Business Journal Researching Entrepreneurship	307
Technological Forecasting and Social Change	249
Plos One	247

list publication counts across various academic journals that have significantly contributed to research in women’s entrepreneurship and related disciplines. Leading the count is ‘Sustainability’ with 1317 publications, followed by ‘Small Business Economics’ with 689, and ‘Journal of Business Research’ with 520. These journals reflect a broad academic interest in sustainable business practices, the economic impacts of small businesses, and foundational business research. Notably, ‘Frontiers in Psychology’ and ‘International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior Research’ each publish over 500 articles, indicating a strong focus on the psychological and behavioral aspects of entrepreneurship. The robust output in the ‘Journal of Business Venturing’ and ‘Journal of Small Business Management’ highlights ongoing research into entrepreneurial dynamics and management challenges in smaller enterprises.

This compilation of data is highly relevant as it provides insights into the focal areas of contemporary entrepreneurial research and the academic journals that lead to disseminating new knowledge in these areas. The prominence of journals like the ‘Journal of Business Ethics’ and ‘Gender Work and Organization’ underscores the growing emphasis on ethical considerations and gender dynamics within the business context. Such information aids in identifying key sources of scholarly content for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers interested in the latest studies and theoretical advancements in women entrepreneurship. These publications contribute to academic theory by expanding the body of knowledge on entrepreneurial phenomena and have practical implications by informing policy, guiding entrepreneurial practices, and influencing teaching curricula in business education. The distribution of publications across these journals demonstrates the interdisciplinary nature of entrepreneurial studies, engaging with topics from ethical practices to technological impacts on business, thus offering a comprehensive view of the field’s complexity and intersection with various societal and economic challenges.

5.7. Leading Funding Organizations

Table 5. Top 30 research funding institutions and agencies in the field. Source: Clarivate’s Web of Science, January 2025.

Funding Agencies	Count
National Natural Science Foundation of China NSFC	1257
Uk Research Innovation UKRI	734
Economic Social Research Council ESRC	523
European Union EU	499
National Science Foundation NSF	442
Spanish Government	439
United States Department of Health Human Services	383
National Institutes of Health NIH USA	347
Social Sciences Humanities Research Council of Canada SSHRC	324
Fundacao Para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia FCT	301
CGIAR	214
National Office of Philosophy and Social Sciences	210
Fundamental Research Funds for The Central Universities	198
Ministry of Education Culture Sports Science and Technology Japan MEXT	173
German Research Foundation DFG	169
Japan Society for The Promotion of Science	167
Australian Research Council	157
European Research Council ERC	156
National Social Science Fund of China	152
Grants In Aid for Scientific Research Kakenhi	143
Ministry of Science and Innovation Spain MICINN	137
Research Council of Finland	135
Projekt Deal	128
Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico CNPQ	105
Swedish Research Council	105
Ministry of Education China	100
Research Council of Norway	98
Bill Melinda Gates Foundation	97
Marie Curie Actions	97
Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior CAPES	94

presents the top 30 global research funding institutions and agencies, emphasizing their significant role in supporting scientific endeavors centered on women entrepreneurship and related fields. The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) leads with 1257 funded projects, highlighting its crucial role in advancing scientific research on this topic in China. Following the NSFC is UK Research Innovation (UKRI), with 734 initiatives demonstrating considerable support for research in the United Kingdom. Other noteworthy entities include the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the European Union (EU), with 523 and 499 funded projects, respectively, illustrating their substantial contributions to European social and economic research.

The presence of diverse funding bodies, such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the United States, the Spanish Government, and sector-specific entities, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the USA, reflects a global commitment to advancing women entrepreneurship and related disciplines. These data are critical as they provide insights into the scale and scope of research funding globally and indicate the strategic priorities of nations and regions in fostering scientific advancement. Such information is invaluable for scholars and institutions in identifying potential funding sources and understanding the competitive landscape of research funding. It also has implications for policymaking, as understanding where research funding is concentrated can help shape future science and technology policies. Furthermore, funding distribution across different agencies and regions can guide collaborative ventures and influence the development of international research partnerships, enhancing the global impact of funded research projects.

5.8. Most Recent Predominant Themes of Research

As depicted in

Table 6. Key research themes in women’s entrepreneurship.

Research Theme	Description
Top 3 SDGs of Interest	SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 10 (reducing inequalities), and SDG 5 (gender equality).
Economic Growth and Sustainable Development	Focuses on supporting economic growth, empowerment, microfinance, human and social capital, sustainable development, poverty, family business, education, and culture.
Gender Issues Affecting Women’s Entrepreneurship	Includes studies on women’s status, discrimination, gender discrimination, and intersectionality.
Women Entrepreneurs in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)	Strongly associated with SMEs, with research on gender discrimination, intersectionality, and preferences such as work–life balance.
Women Entrepreneurship Contributions to Sustainability and Informal Economy	Women entrepreneurs contribute to sustainability and the informal economy through climate-friendly products, services, and circular economy initiatives.

, for the past five years, from 2020 to 2024, the most prominent themes in women’s entrepreneurship research have been the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the development of women’s entrepreneurship. Central to this discourse are SDG 8, which promotes decent work and economic growth; SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities; and SDG 5, which advocates for gender equality. These goals frame this research into several interconnected themes that address the challenges and opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs across various sectors.

Another important area of focus is economic growth and sustainable development, which explores women’s empowerment through accessible economic resources, such as microfinance, social capital, and education. This theme investigates how sustainable development practices can empower women entrepreneurs, particularly within small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to make significant contributions to both local and global economies. The discussions also encompass the role of family businesses, educational initiatives, and cultural factors in fostering sustainable economic growth.

Gender issues affecting women’s entrepreneurship explore the systemic barriers due to gender discrimination and intersectionality that women face within the entrepreneurial landscape. This includes studying the professional and personal challenges that hinder women’s full participation and success in entrepreneurship. Research explicitly focusing on women entrepreneurs in SMEs investigates the influence of gender discrimination, work–life balance preferences, and intersectional identities on women in smaller business environments. This area is crucial for identifying women’s unique needs and hurdles, providing insights necessary for tailored support mechanisms. Additionally, the contributions of women entrepreneurs to sustainability and the informal economy are examined to understand how they integrate environmentally sustainable practices into their businesses. Such research assesses the role of women in driving sustainability through the informal economy, emphasizing their involvement in circular economy initiatives and the adoption of sustainable business practices.

The global contributions to these themes are significant, with substantial research inputs from various countries. The United States leads with 112 contributions, followed by the United Kingdom with 86 and India with 68. Other contributions come from diverse contexts, including the People’s Republic of China, Spain, Italy, Australia, France, Canada, and South Africa, showcasing broad international engagement with these vital issues (Clarivate’s Web of Science, January 2025). This rich tapestry of research themes illuminates the challenges that women entrepreneurs face and their potential to influence substantial sectors of the economy. The insights from such research are instrumental in shaping policies, educational frameworks, and entrepreneurial practices that support and enhance women’s empowerment and sustainable development globally. This collective knowledge is crucial for promoting inclusive economic growth and achieving the broader SDGs.

6. Discussion, Limitations, Conclusions, and Further Research Recommendations

The bibliometric analysis presented in this study significantly contributes to understanding women’s entrepreneurship in global economies. By mapping the scholarly landscape and identifying key themes and gaps, this study enriches the academic literature and provides a solid foundation for policy formulation and future research. As the global economy continues to evolve, the insights from this study will be vital in shaping supportive ecosystems that empower women entrepreneurs and promote sustainable economic development.

6.1. Discussion

In the bibliometric analysis of women’s entrepreneurship in global economies, this study investigates the complexities and developments of this critical sector. It stresses the necessity of leveraging diverse theoretical frameworks like women entrepreneurship (and economics), social capital theory, and innovation systems. This interdisciplinary approach is essential for comprehensively understanding the economic, social, and cultural influences impacting women entrepreneurs. The robust bibliometric evidence supports the significance of this approach, showing substantial contributions across varied scholarly fields.

This study’s methodological application of bibliometrics provides empirical evidence of key trends and challenges and influential scholars from across the globe within women’s entrepreneurship research. This study offers a detailed view of the intellectual landscape by mapping out the most cited works and prolific authors and identifying influential journals. It highlights areas for further research and suggests that recent digital technology and innovation shifts are reshaping the entrepreneurial paradigm. This shift has been accelerated by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating a pivotal transformation in how entrepreneurship is approached.

Table 7. Key trends and challenges in women’s entrepreneurship.

Category	Trends	Challenges
Digital Transformation	Increased use of digital tools, e-commerce, and online platforms for business growth.	Limited access to digital infrastructure, digital literacy gaps, and gender-based digital divide.
Financial Access and Inclusion	Growth of microfinance, crowdfunding, and venture capital targeted at women entrepreneurs.	Persistent gender gap in access to credit, high-interest rates, and lack of collateral.
Sociocultural Factors	Greater societal recognition of women entrepreneurs and their role in economic growth.	Cultural biases, gender stereotypes, and societal expectations restricting women’s entrepreneurial activities.
Government Policies and Institutional Support	Increased global focus on policies supporting women-owned businesses, including SDG-related initiatives.	Inconsistent policy implementation, lack of gender-specific support programs, and bureaucratic barriers.
Sustainability and Social Impact	Women-led businesses are more likely to integrate sustainability and social responsibility into their models.	Limited financial and technical support for sustainable business practices.
Entrepreneurship in SMEs	High participation of women in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) due to flexibility and lower entry barriers.	Struggles in scaling up businesses due to funding constraints and market access issues.
Work–Life Balance and Well-being	More studies on balancing entrepreneurship with family responsibilities and mental health awareness.	Gendered division of labor, lack of childcare support, and burnout among women entrepreneurs.
Impact of COVID-19	Acceleration of digital adoption and resilience strategies among women entrepreneurs.	Economic downturn, increased caregiving responsibilities, and disproportionate financial losses.

summarizes the trends and challenges identified in this field.

It highlights several critical areas within the field of women’s entrepreneurship. It categorizes the evolution and current trends identified in a broad range of academic publications, mainly the following:

• Gender Disparities: This theme explores the role of gender in entrepreneurial dynamics, emphasizing the challenges that women face due to societal and cultural norms.
• Financial Hurdles: Addressing the financial barriers that disproportionately affect women entrepreneurs, including limited access to capital and financial resources.
• Socio-Cultural Obstacles: Examines how societal expectations and cultural constraints hinder women’s entrepreneurial pursuits.
• Developmental Trajectory of Women’s Entrepreneurship: Focuses on how the field has evolved over time and the growing recognition of women’s contributions to it.
• Policy Recommendations: Advocates for targeted support mechanisms for women entrepreneurs and the need for more inclusive economic policies.
• Digital Transformation: Highlights how technological advancements have democratized access to markets and resources, aiding women in overcoming traditional barriers.

Furthermore, this study outlines crucial policy implications and recommendations based on recurring themes. It points to the vital need for accessible financial services, educational programs, and supportive regulatory frameworks that can remove barriers and foster an environment conducive to the growth of women entrepreneurs. Advocating for policies that improve access to microfinance, small business loans, and comprehensive support services, this study emphasizes these elements as catalysts for promoting inclusive economic growth in emerging markets. These strategic interventions are projected to empower women entrepreneurs significantly, enabling them to contribute more effectively to the economic landscape.

6.2. Limitations

While comprehensive, the bibliometric analysis of women’s entrepreneurship in global economies exhibits several inherent limitations typical of this research methodology. These constraints, integral to the nature of bibliometric studies, may impact the interpretability and applicability of the findings.

Firstly, this study confines itself to the academic literature indexed in the Web of Science. This restriction potentially omits significant contributions from databases such as Scopus or Dimensions and non-indexed journals, books, the gray literature, and impactful works published in regional languages or outlets. Such materials are critical to understanding local entrepreneurial contexts but may not have global visibility, leading to a skewed field representation. Additionally, bibliometric analyses often fail to capture the latest research developments due to the inherent delays in publication and indexing. As a result, recent innovations or trends may be underrepresented, introducing a temporal bias that affects this study’s contemporaneity and relevance.

Moreover, the methodological emphasis on quantitative metrics such as publication counts and citation analysis may lead to an oversight of the qualitative contributions of the literature. This focus overlooks the substantive depth, methodological innovation, and practical implications of studies essential for a nuanced understanding of women’s entrepreneurship. The analysis may also not sufficiently address the distinct cultural, social, and economic nuances that uniquely influence women’s entrepreneurship across global economies. The high-level aggregation inherent in bibliometric methods can mask critical regional and local variations, diluting the insights into specific entrepreneurial ecosystems. Although this study attempts an interdisciplinary approach, bibliometric analysis can sometimes miss critical insights from adjacent fields such as sociology, anthropology, and regional studies, particularly when these studies do not conform to the established keywords or categories used in the analysis.

Furthermore, this bibliometric study does not directly examine the relationship between specific policy interventions and trends in women’s entrepreneurship. Establishing such causal links would require more detailed empirical investigations involving longitudinal data and qualitative assessments, which are beyond the scope of bibliometric methods. There is also a potential bias toward women’s entrepreneurship’s more successful or visible aspects. This bias could overshadow critical insights from less successful ventures or regions with lower visibility in global research outputs, skewing the understanding of women entrepreneurs’ actual challenges and diverse experiences.

Addressing these limitations in subsequent research would involve broadening the scope to include a more diverse array of literature sources, including the gray literature and significant regional publications. Incorporating qualitative research methodologies would enrich the findings, providing a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics at play. Moreover, detailed case studies and empirical research are recommended to assess the impact of specific local conditions and policy changes, thereby enhancing the granularity and applicability of the research to support women’s entrepreneurship effectively in global economies.

6.3. Conclusions

This bibliometric analysis of women’s entrepreneurship in global economies has methodically mapped the scholarly landscape, revealing significant trends, influential works, and critical gaps in the field. It highlights an increasing scholarly interest in women’s entrepreneurial roles, reflecting a broader recognition of their contributions to innovation, economic diversification, and social change within these economies. It also advances the understanding of women’s entrepreneurship in global economies, offering valuable insights into the academic discourse, policy implications, and future research directions. By examining scholarly publications in detail, this study has mapped the thematic and intellectual developments that have shaped women’s entrepreneurship. The findings offer several conclusions and implications for both theory and policy, essential for fostering a supportive environment for women entrepreneurs.

One of the principal conclusions of this analysis is the notable growth in research volume on this subject over recent years. This growth indicates a heightened scholarly acknowledgment of women entrepreneurs’ economic and social significance. The academic community’s expanded focus suggests that the role of women entrepreneurs in driving economic and social progress is gaining prominence and becoming a more central topic of study in economic and development discourse.

This analysis also identified several prevalent themes in the literature. These include the impact of socio-cultural factors, the role of technological innovation, and challenges related to access to finance. These themes underscore common barriers that women entrepreneurs face and point to unique regional factors that affect entrepreneurial activities differently across various global economies. Moreover, this study notes an increasing trend toward interdisciplinary research. Incorporating diverse theoretical frameworks—from economics and gender studies to development studies and business management—has enriched the academic dialogue on women’s entrepreneurship. This interdisciplinary approach has broadened the understanding of the complex dynamics at play, suggesting that future research should continue to cross traditional academic boundaries to provide a more holistic view of women entrepreneurs’ experiences.

A particularly significant finding is the emphasis on digital transformation as a crucial enabler of women’s entrepreneurship. The literature strongly suggests that digital technologies empower women by providing access to previously inaccessible markets, networks, and resources. This shift highlights the transformative potential of technology in leveling the playing field for women in business, especially in less developed markets.

However, despite the overall growth in the literature, there remains variability in the depth and focus of research across different global regions. This variability indicates that while the topic is becoming well documented in some areas of the world, others, particularly those in emerging countries, requiring the empirical evaluation of specific interventions or policies, remain underexplored. This gap in empirical research underscores the need for targeted studies in specific global regions, mainly emerging and frontier economies, such as in the African continent, that can assess the real-world impacts of policies designed to support women entrepreneurs.

From a theoretical perspective, these conclusions underscore the necessity for continued interdisciplinary research that integrates various theoretical approaches. Future theoretical work should bridge the gap between macro-economic theories and micro-level entrepreneurial practices, exploring how global economic policies impact local entrepreneurial activities in nuanced ways.

This bibliometric analysis has illuminated the existing body of knowledge on women’s entrepreneurship in global economies and highlighted areas needing further exploration and attention. By providing a clearer picture of the academic terrain, this study sets the stage for more informed research and policymaking, which can effectively support and enhance women’s entrepreneurial endeavors in these dynamic regions. As the global economic landscape evolves, the knowledge garnered from this study will be instrumental in shaping supportive ecosystems that empower women entrepreneurs, thereby promoting sustainable and inclusive economic development. This research enriches the scholarly literature and provides a robust foundation for informed policy-making and enhanced support for women in the entrepreneurial sphere.

The bibliometric analysis has effectively mapped the scholarly terrain of women’s entrepreneurship in global economies, identifying key themes and trends that have shaped the field. This study reveals an encouraging growth in research interest, particularly in digital transformation and innovation in entrepreneurship. However, the analysis also highlights significant gaps and areas needing further exploration, such as the impact of socio-cultural factors and the need for more robust policy support systems. Academic and practical endeavors must focus on these areas to better support women entrepreneurs’ unique needs and challenges. The insights gained from this study enrich the scholarly literature and serve as a valuable guide for policymakers, educators, and practitioners working to foster an inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.

To effectively support women entrepreneurs, policies must move beyond broad recommendations and focus on specific, actionable mechanisms that address the structural barriers they face. Governments should establish targeted financial programs, such as gender-sensitive credit schemes, low-interest loans, and grants that do not require traditional collateral, ensuring women entrepreneurs gain equal access to capital. Additionally, public–private partnerships can facilitate mentorship networks, business accelerators, and training programs tailored to the unique needs of women-owned enterprises. Regulatory reforms should also simplify business registration, tax incentives, and access to procurement opportunities for women-led businesses. To bridge the digital divide, investments in affordable internet access, digital literacy training, and technology grants can empower women entrepreneurs to leverage online markets effectively. Furthermore, implementing work–life balance policies, such as subsidized childcare, flexible workspaces, and parental leave provisions, would enable more women to sustain and scale their businesses without disproportionate caregiving burdens. By integrating these mechanisms into national entrepreneurship strategies, policymakers can create an enabling ecosystem that fosters the long-term success of women entrepreneurs and drives inclusive economic growth.

While this study provides a comprehensive bibliometric and altmetric analysis of research trends in women’s entrepreneurship, it does not aim to assess or critique specific policies, programs, or support mechanisms for women entrepreneurs. The primary objective is to map the intellectual landscape by analyzing publication patterns, citation networks, and emerging research themes. As such, this study does not evaluate the effectiveness of government policies, financial initiatives, or institutional frameworks in supporting women entrepreneurs. Future research could complement this bibliometric approach with empirical assessments or policy evaluations to offer deeper insights into the real-world impact of such interventions.

6.4. Further Research Recommendations

This study delineates several pivotal areas for further scholarly exploration within women’s entrepreneurship, particularly concerning resilience under socio-economic stresses and their impact on sustainable development. This bibliometric study opens several avenues for future research that could further enrich our understanding of women’s entrepreneurship. Investigating the longitudinal effects of specific policy measures on women’s entrepreneurial success in particular global economies could yield insights into the efficacy of such interventions. Additionally, exploring the transformative impact of digital technologies in this sector offers a promising area for research, particularly in understanding how women entrepreneurs can leverage these tools to surmount traditional and emergent challenges.

Firstly, the socio-cultural context significantly shapes the resilience of women entrepreneurs, particularly in balancing professional duties and familial responsibilities. Research consistently highlights the challenges that women face due to stress and anxiety, which may impede their entrepreneurial drive. Notably, in developing nations where women entrepreneurship is on the rise, there is a crucial need for deeper investigation into how these entrepreneurs build social capital, create new business channels, and adapt to technological advancements like e-commerce. Given the complex socio-political environments in these regions, a detailed exploration from a socio-political perspective could unearth specific challenges tied to regional idiosyncrasies. Moreover, exploring institutional voids and socio-cultural barriers, which vary by country, invites broader cross-country research that could enrich understanding and provide comparative insights. The studies should also address the sparse support systems for women in overwhelmingly patriarchal societies, where institutional and cultural barriers are profound.

Secondly, the intersection of women’s entrepreneurial activities with various SDGs—particularly SDG 10 (reducing inequalities), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), and SDG 5 (gender equality)—merits further research. While these SDGs are frequently cited, integrating them with lesser-studied SDGs could provide a more holistic understanding of women’s impact on sustainable development. For instance, exploring how women entrepreneurs contribute to SDG 13 (climate action) through sustainable business practices or SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) could provide crucial data to drive global strategies against climate change and enhance circular economic practices.

Thirdly, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to business sustainability, urging a reevaluation of the traits that women should cultivate to navigate such crises. Studies suggest that qualities such as self-efficacy, continuous learning, and embracing new technologies are crucial. However, there is a noticeable proficiency gap among women, especially in the tech-driven sectors, underscoring the need for targeted policy interventions and support systems to enhance women’s resilience in emergencies. Integrating advanced technologies such as blockchain might offer innovative solutions to expand market reach and strengthen business operations in crises.

Lastly, access to financial capital remains a critical barrier for women entrepreneurs, particularly exacerbated by the pandemic. The potential of venture capital, micro-financing, and crowdfunding as survival tools for women-led businesses needs thorough investigation. Furthermore, the role of financial literacy in mitigating disparities between women and their business counterparts is crucial. Future research should also focus on the long-term impacts of the pandemic on women-led businesses in vulnerable sectors, examining how enhanced access to resources, training, and networks can more effectively support women’s entrepreneurship. These focal areas offer a broad spectrum of research opportunities and highlight the critical need for integrated approaches that consider economic, social, and technological dimensions to foster resilient and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems for women.

While the bibliometric approach provides a broad overview of the academic terrain, it inherently limits the scope of published studies, potentially omitting the unpublished gray literature and detailed case studies that offer nuanced insights into women’s entrepreneurial experiences. Future research could enhance the richness of this analysis by incorporating these diverse sources, providing a more comprehensive depiction of the entrepreneurial landscape that women face in global economies.