The “gender gap” in the scientific labour market: The case of science, engineering and technology‐based SMEs in the UK

Purpose – This paper seeks to address a key issue, yet a neglected area of local policy and research i.e. the “gender gap” in the labour market in the scientific‐based SMEs in the UK. The paper seeks to compare and contrast the employment and management structure, as well as participation in research and development (R&D) between female and male. It further aims to explore the educational background and the personal and professional barriers that prevent women from progression in scientific management and R&D related occupations.Design/methodology/approach – The empirical investigation is based on a sample of 45 female employees working in science, engineering and technology (SET)‐related positions and 48 SET‐related companies. Data were collected through the empirical survey of SMEs and semi structured “face‐to‐face” interviews with female employees.Findings – The study concluded that there was no evidence of specific SET‐related barriers preventing career progression amongst women. The major barriers to...