Gender differences in the usage of resources in the entrepreneurial opportunity identification process in Slovenia and Croatia

Abstract

While entrepreneurship research is usually focused on early-stage or established entrepreneurship, in this article we are taking a step back to earlier stages in the entrepreneurial process and focus on the opportunity identification and resources that might support it. The article provides a clearer insight into the extent of resources possessed by adults in Slovenia and Croatia, into gender differences in the opportunity identification process and the usage of resources within this process. Our research shows that women possess on average lower levels of resources, which explain their lower opportunity identification prevalence. Results show that the increase in resources, especially in the area of human capital consisting of skills, knowledge and experiences for entrepreneurship, has a significant and positive effect on opportunity identification among women.