The renowned group of international contributors to this volume provide analysis of where and how gender plays a role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Eleven essays examine how ecosystems influence women entrepreneurs and how women entrepreneurs influence their local ecosystems, both cross-nationally and through in-depth country studies. The studies build on rich qualitative and quantitative data from diverse contexts including the United States, Norway, India, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Chile. A special section of the book examines national and regional policies in support of growth-oriented women's entrepreneurship. The contributions highlight the significant variety of entrepreneurial ecosystems around the world and provide valuable insights for promoting growth-oriented women's entrepreneurship at the local, regional, and country level. Academic researchers in the areas of entrepreneurship, management, business strategy, economic geography, and gender studies as well as policy-makers at the regional, national, and supra-national levels will all find something valuable in this illuminating book. Contributors include: M. Akoorie, G.A. Alsos, J.E. Amoros, C.G. Brush, S. Coleman, D. Dutta, L.F. Edelman, L. Foss, P. Gabaldon, J. Gibb, D. Gimenez, U. Guelich, A.T. Hailemariam, M. Haugum, C. Henry, J.G. Hussain, L. Karsten, B. Kroon, E. Ljunggren, I.M. Lugalla, C. Lutz, V. Mandakovic, T.S. Manolova, X. Neumeyer, B. Orser, J. Poncela-Casasnovas, A. Robb, N. Sandhu, S.C. Santos, J.M. Scott, C. Seierstad, P. Sinha, M. van Veldhoven, F. Welter, S.R. Xavier, R.I. Yavuz

Women's entrepreneurship is vital for economic and social development, yet female entrepreneurs worldwide are consistently found to have weaker sales and employment growth, fewer jobs, and lower profitability. This book was written to address this reality and focuses on the high-growth potential of women entrepreneurs. The scholars in this book conducted qualitative as well as quantitative research in contexts around the world, including Eswatini (Swaziland), Australia, China, Slovenia, Peru, and one global study of 43 countries. Chapters are organized according to three key themes: the practice of building networks, programs and the support environment, and policies and regulations. Topics addressed within these themes include the interconnected and mutually reinforcing features of a fruitful entrepreneurial culture, including financial and human capital advancement and readiness, new opportunities for expansion and an assortment of institutional and infrastructural provisions for innovation and business growth. High-growth Women's Entrepreneurship will appeal to public and private sector managers, policy makers and politicians who want to promote a culture and ecosystem that supports women's growth-oriented business potential. Educators and program designers who want to help women grow their businesses, and scholars who want to explore further research will find the information invaluable. Contributors include: N. Birdthistle, C.J. Boudreaux, Z. Brixiova, C.G. Brush, A. Bullough, D. Cetindamar, M. Cordova, L.F. Edelman, R. Eversole, B. Freser, V. Godinho, D. Hechavarria, F. Huaman, E. James, T. Kangoye, T. Lammers, Y. Li, S. Muhammad, B. Nikolaev, A. Pearce, K. Sirec, E. Sullivan, P. Tominc, M. Walo, J. Wu