Sweden Most Gender-Equal in the EU in Research and Innovation
Sweden is the most gender-equal of the EU countries when it comes to research and innovation. This is shown in the EU Commission’s annual research report, She Figures. A new addition to this year’s report is that countries are also ranked on key areas using an index developed by a researcher at the University of Gothenburg.
– The index focuses on examining the opportunities for women and men to contribute to scientific development, economic growth, and social change. It's more than a fairness issue – it’s about leveraging the full potential of society, says Anne Laure Humbert, who developed the index.
The index is based on data from several major national and European databases, as well as surveys and policy reports. The aim is to measure and compare the degree of gender equality across six important areas for research and innovation:
- Segregation in the Pipeline: Gender distribution in doctoral programs within STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
- Research Sectors: Comparison of gender distribution among researchers in academia, the public sector, and private industry.
- Career Progression: Career progress of women and men in research, from junior to senior roles.
- Representation in Decision-Making: The proportion of women in leadership positions within research, such as rectors and directors.
- Research Participation: Gender distribution in scientific output, such as publications, patents, and research funding.
- Gender Dimension in Research and Innovation Content: How often the gender dimension is integrated into research topics and projects.
Countries can score from 0 to 100 points, with 100 representing full gender equality across all these areas.
Sweden Tops the List Due to Strong Gender Equality Policies
In the measurement, Sweden scores 87.6 points, the highest of all EU countries. This result is due to several factors. Among other things, Sweden has stricter laws and policies ensuring gender equality.
Sweden also has a good balance in leadership, with women well represented in decision-making positions within both academia and research organisations. Progressive parental leave policies and generous child care options also make it possible for women and men to balance their research careers with family responsibilities. Additionally, Sweden has one of the highest proportions of women researchers in technology and science, thanks to targeted initiatives such as scholarships and mentorship programs.
– Sweden’s result show that a mix of structural reforms, policy commitments, and cultural shifts are necessary to create a truly gender-equal research and innovation ecosystem, says Anne Laure Humbert.
Read the full report here: She Figures 2024
Since its first publication in 2003, the She Figures report has served as an important source of comparable European statistics on gender equality in research and innovation. The purpose is to examine both women's and men's career paths, from doctoral studies to entering the labor market and advancing to leadership and decision-making positions within the academic world. The report also investigates differences in working conditions and research outcomes between women and men.
The She Figures Index is based on data from several reliable sources:
- Eurostat and OECD: Statistics on education, employment, and research.
- Scopus and PATSTAT (European Patent Office): Data on scientific publications and patents.
- National Statistical Representatives: Country-specific data from each EU member state and associated countries.
- Surveys and Policy Reports: Information from surveys on gender considerations in research projects and reports on research funding.