1

Women in the Scientific Areas

in the Private Sector November 2002

Orna Berry, Ph.D.

Gemini Israel Funds

www.gemini.co.il

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Promoting Women in the Private Sector of the European Research Area

Orna Berry, Ph.D.

Gemini Israel Funds

With special thanks for much of the source to Ms. Helga Ebeling of the EU

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Relevance of Women in Industrial

Research WIR activity

To become more competitive, the EU needs more talent from which it will employ the top and the best to create its breakthrough technologies and competitive edge

For that the EU needs to better utilize women

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Lisbon Target

To make the European Union by 2010 the most competitive knowledge-based economy, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion.

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The Goal

Assist corporations in establishing productivity and competitive-edge targets using a broader pool of human resource

Development and retention of women at all levels in S&T organizations

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Source: MEN - DPD (French Ministry of Research, Mission for Equality in Science and Technology) Women in French Research, The White Paper (March 2002).

Differences by sex throughout the educational cycle

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Lycée Université (3ème cycle) etécole d'ingénieur

Diplômés : docteurs,doctorats et ingénieurs

Chercheurs du public etdes entreprises

%

1993 - hommes

1993 - femmes

2000 - hommes

2000 - femmes

The higher the level of scientific education, the smaller the proportion of women

Woman in Research in the private sector

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Distribution of researchers in the private sector

Where did male and female researchers work in the private sector in 1999

0

2 000

4 000

6 000

8 000

10 000

12 000

Femmes

Hommes

Percentage of female researchers in the private sector in 1999

0%

20%

40%

60% Average proportion of women: 19%

Version 2

Source : MEN-MR-DPD

19% of researchers are women. This proportion ranges from 8% to 49% depending on the

branch of research.

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% of prize winners at the national contest for assistance in creating innovative technology firms

1999 2000 2001 TotalCreation & Dev. Prize winner 8 10 19 27

10% 7% 19% 9%

Emerging project prize winners 15 17 4 46

9% 11% 3% 10%

Total 23 27 23 73

9% 9% 10% 9%

In the national contest for assistance in creating innovative technology firms, the proportion of female award winners was 10%.

Only one business founder out of three is a woman.

Women create innovative companiesProjects incubated and firms created

Projects supported by the French Ministry of Research

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Personnel des projets incubés Dirigeants des entreprises créées

Hommes

Femmes83

17

8119

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WIR – Women in Industrial Research

New EC-strategy to promote higher participation of women – Science & Society Action Plan No 26:

High level STRATA–ETAN expert group

Quantitative and qualitative study

Communication strategy

Start January 2002

Report, Recommendations & Action Plan - End 2002

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High level STRATA–ETAN expert group

17 Members –from different sectors: Countries Organizations Additional experts3 Meetings : January – May – September6 Subgroups Young scientists

EC-programsBest practicesTop WomenEntrepreneurs Communication

In total - more than 50 experts involved

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Rosanna D’AntonaHelga Rübsamen Waigmann

Ragnhild Sohlberg

Teresa ReesPierre Bismuth

Ellen de Brabander

Jenny Holmes

Maria Jepsen

Jaques LeclaireErika Mann

Jennifer Neumann

Carmen Vela

Orna Berry

Niels Christian Nielsen Guy Haemers

Darcy Winslow

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Priorities and Methodology of Groups

Young Scientists – motivation, recruiting, visioning futureGood Practices – Broad spectrum of activities – core of ERAEntrepreneurs – mobilising, patentsEC Programs – FP 6TOP Women – networking, professional organisationsCommunication – public awareness, mobilisation, implementation of Action Plan

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Data Collection & Analysis

Analysis of R&D and employment data

Case studies – analysis of good practices and firm level data

Questionnaire to collect firm level data

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Public Dialogue

WIR Website interactive & press activity www.europa.eu.int/comm/research/wir

Establish contacts to companies, employer (e.g. EIRMA, D 21), professional organizations (e.g. EARMA, VDI), trade unions, governments, EC (other DGs Entr, Educ, Emp, Infosys, EIB)

To disseminate results & stimulate initiatives

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D*49%

DK4%

EL1%

ES6%

F26%

A5%

P1%

FIN8%

Researchers in Industrial Research – based on 8 EC Member States

16

DK4%

A5% ES

5% FIN7%

F25%

D*53%

P0%

EL1%

Men Researchers in Industrial Research in Europe

17

P1%

EL2%

A3%

DK4% ES

8%

FIN10%

F35%

D*37%

Women Researchers in Industrial Research in Europe

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First ResultsProportion of women researchers is higher in public sector

In absolute figures more women researchers work in industry

High variation between areas of research – larger proportion in life sciences and chemistry

Number of women researchers in industry increases faster

Sources: WIS Database, White Paper: Women in French Research, 2002, Faktenbericht, Germany, 2002

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First Studies

The Scientist- reader responses: 42.5% prefer industry – 39.5% academia

Life science researchers like working in industry because of career development opportunities and financial rewards

In academia for creative freedom and stronger learning environment

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Source: The Scientist 15(8): 28, Apr. 16, 2001

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What is different? Key questions

To promote gender diversity is a business-goal for leading companies

Clear commitment of top management

Data collection, targets, evaluation & progress reports

Broad spectrum of measures: e.g. management diversity, bonuses, mentoring, flexi-time & work, balance work and private life

Recruitment of women is essential

How can companies be more attractive for women

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Be ready for actions

Establish contacts and links between industry, universities, school, professional organizations

Analysis and transparency

Awareness raising

Collect firm level data

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Please visit the WIR websitewww.europa.eu.int/comm/research/wir