The Role of Relational Capital in the Innovativeness of Women-Led Startups: Case Studies from Italian Food & Beverage Sector

This research explores the challenges small businesses face, such as limited resources and competitive pressures, emphasizing how intellectual capital (IC) plays a key role in fostering innovation. Intellectual capital is divided into human, structural, and relational capital (RC), with RC being particularly crucial for women-led startups. Open Innovation (OI) plays a vital role in helping small businesses manage external relationships and develop new business models. The Italian government has introduced legislation to promote innovative startups, but women still remain underrepresented in sectors like agri-food, which is deeply traditional and innovation-resistant. The research focuses on women-led innovative startups, highlighting the educational and financial gaps they face compared to male-led businesses. In particular, it explores three key questions: RQ1: Can RC help fill an educational and financial gap in WIS? RQ2: What kind of relationships mainly support WIS ? RQ3: How do these relationships affect their innovation process? The study uses a qualitative methodology and multiple case studies, applying the C.A.O.S model, which investigates the influence of personal, environmental, organizational, and startup motivations on entrepreneurial success. By focusing on women in the agri-food sector, the research provides new insights into the role of relational capital and formal relationships in female entrepreneurship. This study’s findings highlight the importance of family ties, education, and professional networks in overcoming gender-specific challenges in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The study fills a gap in existing research by analyzing the qualitative aspects of relational capital in women’s innovative startups. It examines how women entrepreneurs leverage networks to navigate challenges and drive innovation, despite systemic barriers. The research can contribute to identify strategies to foster innovation among female entrepreneurs, contributing to economic growth and gender equality.