1 Instytut Zarządzania i Marketingu Katedra Zarządzania Kapitałem Ludzkim Britt-Marie S Torstensson, WINNET Sweden Sandra Misiak-Kwit, University of Szczecin WRCs’ potential to increase women’s participation in SME, Innovation and Economic Growth

2 Slajd nr 2 Katedra Zarządzania Kapitałem Ludzkim Instytut Zarządzania i Marketingu Aim and hypothesis Aim - to present the essence and to evaluate the WRC model and the BST method Hypothesis – WRC model and BST method form an effective system of support for business relations and cooperation between women

3 Slajd nr 3 Katedra Zarządzania Kapitałem Ludzkim Instytut Zarządzania i Marketingu Women Resource Centre model An institution created in Sweden in the eighties in order to activate and strengthen the position of women on the labor market. Currently about 150 centres operate there. One of the most important is WINNET Sweden, which includes centres operating at national, regional and local levels. They focus on supporting women's entrepreneurship and innovation.

4 Slajd nr 4 Katedra Zarządzania Kapitałem Ludzkim Instytut Zarządzania i Marketingu The name `WINNET` An acronym derived from the expression ‘women in net’ A combination of words ‘win’ and ‘net’ which create the meaning of the network of success.

5 Slajd nr 5 Katedra Zarządzania Kapitałem Ludzkim Instytut Zarządzania i Marketingu Women Resource Centre – the network of practitioners Objectives: 1.Strengthening the social and economic position of women 2.Establishing a neutral place for business meetings among women 3.Creation of a place where one can find a variety of information and gather documents 4.Counselling and support in the implementation of business projects 5.Mediation in contacts between the groups of women

6 Slajd nr 6 Katedra Zarządzania Kapitałem Ludzkim Instytut Zarządzania i Marketingu Financing In order to secure the proper functioning of the Swedish WRC a national fund ensuring basic funding was created. Funds are distributed by the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth. WRCs apply for the basic funds for the period of three years - those resources cover the fixed costs of running the office. In addition to the basic funding provided by the Swedish State, the employees of WRC systematically apply for funds to implement planned activities.

7 Slajd nr 7 Katedra Zarządzania Kapitałem Ludzkim Instytut Zarządzania i Marketingu WINNET Europe – 2007 Members – WRCs from many European countries Sweden Finland Germany Poland Lithuania Armenia China Latvia Estonia Greece Portugal Italy

8 Slajd nr 8 Katedra Zarządzania Kapitałem Ludzkim Instytut Zarządzania i Marketingu Quadruple Helix In the WRC model the cooperation between 4 entities is crucial. According to this principle all of the aforementioned entities should be simultaneously involved in improving the social and economic situation of women. Public administration Business Non-governmental organizations Academic community

9 Slajd nr 9 Katedra Zarządzania Kapitałem Ludzkim Instytut Zarządzania i Marketingu The BST method Developed in the USA by Barbara Sher Based on the creation of business contact networks Assumption - a group of a few businesswomen meets once a month to motivate and assist each other in the management and development of their businesses Structure of the meeting: three rounds (Results, Support, Tasks)

10 Slajd nr 10 Katedra Zarządzania Kapitałem Ludzkim Instytut Zarządzania i Marketingu Thesis - verification Based on presented data, the thesis that WRC model and BST method form an effective system of support for business cooperation and relations between women was positively verified.

11 Slajd nr 11 Katedra Zarządzania Kapitałem Ludzkim Instytut Zarządzania i Marketingu RECOMMENDATION 1 Establishing a network of WRC in Poland - neutral business meeting places for women, based on the Swedish model adapted to Polish economic situation. It is possible to use the existing national network of care centers and community centers.

12 Slajd nr 12 Katedra Zarządzania Kapitałem Ludzkim Instytut Zarządzania i Marketingu RECOMMENDATION 2 The organization of BST meetings, during which women receive a multi- dimensional support within the scope of their business activities.

13 Slajd nr 13 Katedra Zarządzania Kapitałem Ludzkim Instytut Zarządzania i Marketingu RECOMMENDATION 3 Mediation in international relations between groups of women operating in the Polish WRCs and abroad, particularly in Sweden and Germany. Promoting relations can be performed using the BST method.

14 Slajd nr 14 Katedra Zarządzania Kapitałem Ludzkim Instytut Zarządzania i Marketingu IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSED RECOMMENDATIONS WILL CERTAINLY IMPROVE THE RELATIONS AND BUSINESS COOPERATION OF WOMEN IN POLAND.

15 Slajd nr 15 Katedra Zarządzania Kapitałem Ludzkim Instytut Zarządzania i Marketingu Thank you for your attention! Sandra Misiak-Kwit [email protected] www.balticsearegion.org