The 2023 SPRI & WMF Special Report: “Women in Manufacturing: Impact of Women in Industrial Competitiveness.”

Cristina Oyón was welcomed on stage on Day Two of the World Manufacturing Forum 2023.

The Director of Technology, Innovation and Sustainability at SPRI shared the results from the 2023 SPRI & WMF Special Report: “Women in Manufacturing: Impact of Women in Industrial Competitiveness.”

This report investigates the impact of women on industrial competitiveness, an area historically linked to ethical and human rights concerns. Despite this, there’s been limited empirical research on the subject. Conducted by SPRI in collaboration with the World Manufacturing Foundation under the “Women in Manufacturing” international expert group, the study aims to demonstrate that gender equality isn’t just a human rights issue but a pivotal factor in competitiveness and economic recovery.

The research achieves two key objectives: developing a methodology to analyze the link between gender equality and industrial competitiveness and creating a case study illustrating how higher gender diversity benefits business competitiveness. SPRI’s methodology involves composite indexes for competitiveness and equality, each composed of sub-indexes and weighted variables.

Through a survey of Basque companies, SPRI discovered a strong correlation: more egalitarian companies are more competitive. This research lays the groundwork for broader application beyond the Basque region. It holds promise for diverse industries, reinforcing the validity of the methodology. Furthermore, the findings could serve as a catalyst for gender-inclusive policies in both companies and governments, fostering more inclusive workplaces and benefiting society at large. Ultimately, this study highlights the tangible advantages of gender diversity in fostering competitiveness and societal progress.