Technology and technological developments, like science and knowledge, are not inherently neutral. Intrinsic to them are cultural and social structures and perspectives that are also expressed in societal gender relations. Conversely, gender relations influence the development of society, science, and technology in a complex interplay and balance of power. In times of economic, political, and social change, existing views on gender and gender relations are increasingly called into question and modified.

One of the challenges of gender research is the investigation of gender’s impact on the design of such processes and developments. 

Globally, the percentage of women in highly qualified positions within the natural sciences and engineering is low – yet it varies greatly from country to country. However, with the importance of the knowledge society continuously growing, increasing numbers of highly-qualified specialists are needed. Current demographic developments in Europe, as well as the already noticeable lack of specialists, have led to a greater focus on equality between men and women – something academics, politicians, and industry have demanded for decades. This is why the German government, its regional states, and the EU are supporting a range of equal opportunities measures at various levels. 

Furtwangen University has been involved in innovation and gender research projects for many years. Some examples include: 

F.I.T
Network Women.Innovation.Technology (Netzwerk Frauen.Innovation.Technik – F.I.T) Baden-Württemberg
Project launch: October 2001
Funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research, and the Arts 
ESGI
European Study on Gender Aspects of Inventions – a statistical survey and analysis of gender impact on invention 
Project duration: October 2006 – January 2009
Funded as part of the European Commission's Sixth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development 
E²xzellenz
A blended learning programme for outstanding female master's students in the natural sciences and engineering for a future in leadership roles
Project duration: February 2008 – December 2010
The "E²xzellenz" project is being conducted on behalf of the Baden-Württemberg State Foundation (Landesstiftung) as part of its programme "Opportunities = Equality. Equal Opportunities for Women and Men". The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Economics oversee the programme and have been appointed by the Landesstiftung to fund the project. 
EFFINET
Efficiency and Innovativeness of Homogenous and Heterogeneous Inventor Teams in Research and Development
Project duration: April 2009 – March 2011
The EFFINET study examines the question of whether and how gender-homogenous and gender-heterogeneous teams within research and development working at German patent-producing companies differ in their work methods and efficiency. It also investigates the extent to which organisational structures affect the innovative competence and inventiveness of groups and individuals. The results are used to develop recommendations for promoting equal opportunities for women and men in research and development. The project is funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research, with co-funding from the European Social Fund. 


Project manager
Prof. Ulrike Busolt
Room: C 3.05
Tel: +49 (0) 7720 307 4248
Email: buu(at)hs-furtwangen.de