From lab to market: An analysis of gender role in academic entrepreneurial intention

ABSTRACT Interest in academic entrepreneurship is increasing. Nowadays, it is more common that many private and public initiatives aim to boost entrepreneurship based on science and technology. Some empirical evidence demonstrates that males present higher entrepreneurial intention levels than women. This research seeks to explore the gender role in academic entrepreneurial intention. We study 593 responses from business accelerator program participants linked to higher education institutions and public research centers in Mexico. To analyze the data, we set up structural equation modeling. Preliminary results show a gender effect on entrepreneurial intention. Male academics are more likely to be academic entrepreneurs. Also, we found that academics with higher entrepreneurial experience are more likely to be entrepreneurs regardless of gender. Preliminary findings provide insights for scholars and practitioners in establishing policies that help promote entrepreneurial behavior within academics, especially women.