Female entrepreneurship: a bibliometric analysis and framework development

Abstract

Female entrepreneurship has emerged as a critical field of inquiry within the broader domain of entrepreneurship. However, the related academic literature largely remains fragmented. To address this gap, the present study conducts a bibliometric analysis of 819 articles (2004–2024), supplemented by a content analysis of 173 articles (published in A* and A-listed ABDC journals), to comprehensively map the intellectual structure, major themes, and research trends in the field. The findings reveal that research on female entrepreneurship primarily focuses on financial aspects, with minimal consideration of social and humanitarian viewpoints. Publications are predominantly led by developed nations, while the contributions from developing economies remain limited. Critical social issues such as motherhood, gender discrimination, and stereotypes remain underexplored. Content analysis uncovers seven dominant themes, including socio-cultural factors, personal and psychological factors, entrepreneurial resources, training and mentorship, political and legal factors, digital technology, and the impact of COVID-19. The review synthesizes the findings in the form of a conceptual framework, outlining the antecedents, mediators, moderators, and outcomes of female entrepreneurship. The study offers a holistic understanding of female entrepreneurship, identifies pressing areas of inquiry, and aids policymakers in promoting women entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth. © 2025 Journal of the Canadian Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship/Conseil Canadien de la PME et de l’entrepreneuriat.