Admon

Received February 7, 2010 / Accepted April 20, 2010 J. Technol. Manag. Innov. 2010, Volume 5, Issue 1 ____________________________________________________________

_____________________

Gender Equality in Interface Organizations between Science, Technology and Innovation
Marja Vehviläinen1, Pia Vuolanto2, Oili-Helena Ylijoki 3

Abstract
The article addresses the question of genderequality in the context of interface organizations between science, technology and innovation, focusing on gendered work practices in science parks. Drawing upon the notions of gendered work practices, feminization of work and feminist science and technology studies, the article explores: 1. Key aspects of work practices in science parks; 2. Gender segregation embedded in these practices; and 3.Practices which help to promote gender equality in intermediary work. The study is empirically based on interviews with top managers and female experts of four Finnish science parks, complemented by one focus group interview with representatives of funding agencies, ministries and intermediary organizations. The study demonstrates that work in science parks is simultaneously future-oriented knowledgework and service work characterized by features of feminization and care (i.e. sensitivity to the needs of clients). Gender segregation commonly seen in the science, technology and innovation sector is reproduced in novel ways in the work practices of the science parks, especially due to the gendered patterns of professional recognition and male networking. This implies that - in spite of thefeminised work practices - women do not find easy careers in science parks. The data show, however, that there are also several practices which are used to counteract segregation and promote gender equality, including a number of positive actions developed by women themselves in order to promote recognition and networking in science parks. Keywords: feminization; gender equality; gendered practices;intermediary organization; networking; science parks.

Department for Social Research, 33014 University of Tampere, Finland. Email: marja.vehvilainen@uta.fi Unit for Science, Technology and Innovation Studies (TaSTI), Institute for Social Research, 33014 University of Tampere, Finland. Email: pia.vuolanto@uta.fi 3 Unit for Science, Technology and Innovation Studies (TaSTI), Institute for SocialResearch, 33014 University of Tampere, Finland. Email: oili-helena.ylijoki@uta.fi
2

1

ISSN: 0718-2724. (http://www.jotmi.org) Journal of Technology Management & Innovation © Universidad Alberto Hurtado, Facultad de Economía y Negocios

J. Technol. Manag. Innov. 2010, Volume 5, Issue 1

1. Introduction
Science, technology and innovation are known to employ more men than women and to bestructured in a way that advances men’s careers better and faster than those of women. This is apparent in the strong vertical and horizontal segregation of the sector in Europe, North America and Australia. For instance, in universities men’s numbers are larger at the professorial level and as heads of units, even in life sciences, where women outnumber men in Master’s and doctoral degrees in mostEuropean countries (She Figures 2009). Gender segregation has been a target for various gender equality actions and practices. For example, the European Technology Assessment Network (ETAN) reporter Teresa Rees (e.g. 2001) has outlined three commonly used approaches in gender equality actions: equal treatment (i.e. equal rights), positive action (i.e. addressing women’s disadvantages throughspecial training projects to improve their skills and employability), and mainstreaming (e.g. gender-impact analysis of legislation and policies as well as structural societal changes, which aim to make society more open to both women and men). Thus, the mainstreaming approach deals with the broad societal and institutional aspects of equality, positive action emphasizes the practices of equality for...