Data informing a gender-equal ecosystem strategy

Gender statistics provide an evidence base for developing and monitoring policies and programmes oriented towards reduce gender inequality in access and use to all types of resources and exposes the bias in the level and type of interactions within the ecosystem.

Gender statistics have a crucial role in gender mainstreaming in CCSI industries and entrepreneurship development and policies and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the gender dimensions of entrepreneurship, which in turn can significantly change priorities in policy and programme interventions, as well as shaping the elements for the strategic vision of ecosystem growth. This action examine how to improve data collection instruments to ensure: Data is collected and presented by gender, data reflects gender issues, advance data comparability and harmonization of methodologies, agree on concepts and definitions, develop classifications and methodologies, harness the power of technology to leverage new sources of data, without overlooking the quality, confidentiality and reliability of the integrated information and promote use of information to guide the implementation of programme interventions.

SPECTRA has undertaken surveys within the ecosystems of Bulgaria and Ireland to establish the baseline and determine future action needed in this area, and an expert workshop was held on 11th June with the participation from Maria Staunton, from the Irish EMPOWER programme, to build capacity and skills in this area.

The task culminated in production of a Gender Data Action Plan, that outlines the recommendations for future steps to be taken, post-project.

Data Action Plan Recommendations included:

1. Enhance Data Collection Frameworks:

• Develop standardized gender-disaggregated data collection methods to be used across CCSI sub-sectors.
• Ensure that all publicly funded projects in the creative industries and entrepreneurship include mandatory gender data reporting.

2. Collaborate with Key Stakeholders:

• Establish and nurture partnerships between government agencies, industry bodies, and academic institutions to enhance data sharing and analysis. This should include regional representation for all stakeholders.

3. Implement Gender Targets and Incentives:

• Introduce gender targets for funding allocations in the creative industries, and further utilise case studies of best practice from lead innovator regions to support this.

4. Support Women through Targeted Programs:

• Develop mentorship and leadership programs tailored specifically for women entrepreneurs in the creative industries.

5. Promote Awareness and Advocacy:

• Develop awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of gender equality in entrepreneurship in the creative industries and ensure this is shared with policy makers and enterprise enablers to support further understanding of entrepreneurship in CCSI.
• Encourage industry leaders and influencers to advocate for gender-balanced opportunities and representation through working groups that represent CCSI subsectors.

6. Regular Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Conduct annual reviews and publish reports on progress, challenges, and areas for improvement with a standardised approach to ensure ease of data comparison.

In conclusion, in addition to inclusive entrepreneurship and gender gaps in the creative industries, it is important to note the missing entrepreneurs are also from regions such as those of our SPECTRA emerging and moderate innovator regions. It is important that gender data actions include a concerted effort to ensure these regions are supported with key stakeholders included, and that data is available at a regional as well as national and European level.

By implementing this Gender Data Action Plan, Ireland and Bulgaria can make significant strides toward increasing the number of women innovators in the creative industries and entrepreneurship. Enhanced data collection, targeted policies, and best practice initiatives from the regional partners provide a strong foundation.