Drivers for women entrepreneurs in Iran—trends and challenges
Files
Date
2026-01-12
Version
Accepted manuscript
Embargo Date
2027-01-13
OA Version
Citation
M. Goncalves, S. Sartipi, G.A. Adamanti. 2026. "Drivers for Women Entrepreneurs in Iran—Trends and Challenges" Volume 1, pp.103-143. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-98513-3_4
Abstract
This study delves into the dynamics of women's entrepreneurship in Iran, emphasizing the intricate interplay of socio-cultural, economic, and regulatory factors that shape their business pursuits. Women entrepreneurs in Iran navigate a landscape marked by significant challenges, including stringent socio-cultural norms and economic constraints that shape their operational strategies, growth opportunities, and innovation pursuits. The research employs a qualitative methodology, including semi-structured interviews, to extract nuanced insights into the motivations driving these women and the substantial barriers they face, such as limited access to capital, pervasive gender biases, and regulatory hurdles. Their resilience and adaptability emerge as critical enablers, allowing them to effectively leverage digital technologies and informal networks to mitigate risks and facilitate business operations. Additionally, the study introduces the concept of “regulatory adaptation” to depict how Iranian women entrepreneurs strategically align their business models with the existing regulatory frameworks to sustain their entrepreneurial activities. The findings contribute to the entrepreneurship literature by illustrating how contextual factors in restrictive environments shape women's entrepreneurial activities, and they suggest policy interventions to enhance access to resources, support gender equality, and foster an enabling environment for women-led enterprises in Iran.