A systematic review of female entrepreneurship using co-word and main path analyses

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this paper is to provide a thorough examination of the developmental trajectory of female entrepreneurship research in order to address the lacuna in the literature. The study employs a combination of co-word analysis and main path analysis (MPA) to conduct a systematic review of the citation network of female entrepreneurship research. This methodology facilitates the identification of dominant themes and foundational works, thereby mapping the gradual diffusion of knowledge throughout the field. The results indicate that critical themes, including the role of social networks in empowering female entrepreneurs, gender biases, access to finance, and entrepreneurial motivation, are present. The MPA delineates the manner in which early works concentrated on gendered challenges, while more recent research has explored topics such as innovation, work-life balance, and microfinance in developing economies. Furthermore, the study underscores emerging trends, including the influence of digitalization and institutional barriers on entrepreneurship. This study is the first to integrate co-word analysis with MPA in the context of female entrepreneurship, thereby offering a comprehensive and innovative perspective on the field’s evolution. In doing so, it provides valuable insights into the evolving research landscape, emphasizing critical gaps and suggesting promising areas for future investigation. This method establishes a precedent for the implementation of more data-driven reviews in the field of entrepreneurship research.

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