Gender export gap in Scotland: research

6. Conclusion

The aims of the research were to develop an economic case for addressing a known gender export gap in Scotland and to understand what the most effective avenues to address this gender export gap could potentially be and how they could be implemented. Based on the research, this report provides evidence of a gender gap in exporting in Scotland. Women are much less involved in exporting than men and the evidence (both quantitative and qualitative) show that women in Scotland are still lagging behind their male counterparts when it comes not only to starting and growing their businesses, but also in exporting their products and services. We know that exporting is a major driver of economic growth, with those exporting earning higher profits, paying higher wages, and growing faster than non-exporting firms, but women are less likely to engage in international trade, leaving them unable to capitalise on such benefits. With more women exporting this impacts the wider economy in terms of increasing revenue and foreign exchange, more jobs, a competitive environment and fostering economic trade with other countries. Based on the evidence from data, there are several ways for Scottish Government to address the needs of women who are both exporting and seeking to internationalise in the future. The policy recommendations outlined can support in reducing barriers and increasing opportunities in exporting.