“Confidence to start a business. Female entrepreneurship” is the report produced by the WINN Network within the framework of the Network for training and strengthening the female impact in innovation ecosystems within the CYTED Program.

This study reveals that women tend to have less self-confidence compared to men. However, the data obtained through Artificial Intelligence suggest that this difference is due to a bias in self-perception rather than a real lack of confidence.

Are entrepreneurs born or made?

Certain personality traits, such as the need for achievement and self-confidence, can predispose some individuals toward entrepreneurship, according to the report. “In this context, entrepreneurial personality is understood as a set of personal characteristics or competencies that predict the likelihood of success in entrepreneurship,” says Dr. Beatriz Abad, a psychologist, R&D Project Coordinator at Human AI Tech, and lead researcher of the report, in a recent interview conducted by the Institute for Culture and Society at the University of Navarra.

However, Dr. Abad emphasizes that “while some people naturally possess these skills, everyone can develop them with the right training. This is why it is crucial to foster socio-emotional competencies to train an entrepreneurial personality.” She suggests that with proper education and a supportive environment, anyone can cultivate the skills necessary to succeed as an entrepreneur.

“Over time, and with the necessary effort, a person can develop new skills, change thought or behavior patterns, and adapt to different situations and contexts.” While some individuals may naturally have these abilities, everyone can enhance them through proper training. “In this sense, it is essential to continue creating solutions aimed at developing socio-emotional competencies,” adds Dr. Abad.

Reflections from the report: key competencies and challenges

The report details several crucial aspects for fostering and developing entrepreneurship among women. Some of the most relevant socio-emotional skills identified in the study are:

1. Self-Confidence: Self-confidence is essential for taking risks and facing the challenges of entrepreneurship. The study results indicate that, in general, men show higher levels of self-confidence compared to women when assessed using traditional methods. However, with Human AI, these differences disappear because biases are eliminated during the evaluation. This suggests the presence of self-perception bias and highlights the need to work on how women perceive their own abilities.
2. Emotional Regulation: Emotional stability is identified as a key factor for the confidence required in entrepreneurship. People with greater emotional stability tend to exhibit higher self-confidence, which is crucial for managing the stress and anxiety associated with entrepreneurial endeavors. The ability to manage negative emotions and stay calm under pressure can be a valuable asset for entrepreneurship.
3. Entrepreneurial Perception: The study reveals no significant differences in the perception of being an entrepreneur between men and women. Interestingly, women tend to identify as entrepreneurs in greater proportions than men. This indicates that despite external barriers, many women possess a strong self-identification as entrepreneurs, which is a positive indicator for female entrepreneurship.
4. Personality Traits: Certain personality traits—such as modesty, impulsiveness, and self-discipline in men, and creativity, a sense of duty, and confidence in women—are associated with entrepreneurial self-perception. Additionally, emotional control, self-awareness, extraversion, and self-efficacy stand out as crucial traits for entrepreneurial success.

Human AI and Entrepreneurship

“Advances in technology have enabled the development of new tools for personality assessment that can neutralize self-perception biases.” In this context, Human AI plays a fundamental role by providing precise assessments of entrepreneurial personality through artificial intelligence.

“When this technology was applied to our study sample, the differences in self-confidence between men and women disappeared,” explains Abad.

Human AI uses natural language processing (NLP) to analyze written texts from participants. This tool identifies and describes 35 parameters of personality and socio-emotional skills based on the Big Five/OCEAN model. This allows for a more objective and accurate assessment, eliminating the self-perception biases that can distort results in traditional questionnaires.

Recommendations and Proposals

Based on the report’s findings, several strategies are proposed to foster female entrepreneurship through education:

1. Implementing Socio-Emotional Development Programs:
   Incorporate training in skills such as resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-confidence into educational curricula.
2. Mentorship and Support Networks:
   Provide access to mentors and support networks that can guide women along their entrepreneurial journey.
3. Access to Financial Resources:
   Promote policies that facilitate financing for female entrepreneurs, reducing the gender gap in business.
4. Inclusive Environments:
   Create work and learning spaces that encourage equal opportunities and diversity.

Conclusion

The results underscore the complex interplay between self-confidence, entrepreneurial self-perception, and personality traits in the context of entrepreneurship. Understanding these factors is crucial for creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial environment and supporting both male and female entrepreneurs in achieving business success. This highlights that a comprehensive approach to developing competencies and recognizing psychological factors can be key to fostering more equitable and effective entrepreneurship.