This research has highlighted a number of issues and unanswered questions which require research in order to develop an improved understanding of the role and use of ICT in female operated business, specifically the mompreneur. It was found that respondents did not capture the full benefits of ICT. Despite good access to computers and high levels of connectivity, there is relatively little implementation of ICT-enabled integrated business processes or the adoption of sophisticated online activities in mompreneur businesses. However it is suggested from the review of the general literature that these issues are not specific to the mompreneur but reflect the situation with smaller firms irrespective of gender. Therefore there is a need to develop the level of sophistication of the use of ICT with a focus on of integration within the other business functions both at an intra-firm and inter-firm level. This supports a conclusion that the development agencies will increasingly be required to promote ICT and business development supports as part of an overall package to promote enterprise development.
It is in the interest of policy makers in Ireland to fully ensure the relevant adoption of ICT amongst female entrepreneurs/mompreneurs to both increases their internal efficiency and productivity, as well as facilitate the growth of their firm. Further it is suggested that an enhanced knowledge and skills in ICT will serve as a conduit for starting a new business and as an enabler for business growth and development. Also ICT can aid the mompreneur to participate in professional and social networks to overcome the obstacle of “working in isolation” or alone, so often cited as a challenge faced by female entrepreneurs. In order to develop ICT competencies a number of issues should be considered in small firm supports and interventions.
From a policy perspective there is a need for support agencies to develop a number of support structures and training interventions which address the following:
• Demystify the perceived complexities associated with ICT which are largely founded in the type of language used by ICT suppliers and web designers. It is important that the language used is non-technical and contextualized for a small firm. Moreover it is argued this is not just an issue for the female entrepreneur.
• Inform female entrepreneurs of the role that ICT can play in the start up and growth of a business e. g. support agencies could assist in creating awareness and reducing the psychological barriers to ICT acquisition by showcasing small firm success stories, best practices, and benefits gained through ICT adoption. By clearly demonstrating the modern systems approaches to ICT/business integration, the failure rate of ICT adoption can be reduced.
• Promote “being a mompreneur” as a viable self employment option with the encouragement of value added modern industry sectors. Central to this is the promotion of ICT as a key enabler and catalyst in the establishment and growth of the mompre — neur business.
• Strengthen ICT literacy and build capacity in the alignment of business and ICT strategies through appropriate training. Training for the adoption of ICT during all phases of the business life cycle should be available i. e. support agencies and policy makers should target female entrepreneurs/mom — preneurs by organising capacity building workshops which focus on ensuring that ICT investments focus on the real needs of the business and also enabling more effective communication between the entrepreneurial firm and ICT functions at a strategic level
• Conduct ICT audits with client companies. This will involve experts conducting a needs analysis of the small firm with regard to ICT and devising an ICT acquisition and implementation plan. Mentoring for the mompreneur is viewed as an important follow up mechanism to assist the owner/manager implement and monitor the ICT function and to develop it as the firm grows.
• Create exposure to and facilitate the building of networks and alliances for female owner/managers to assist in the achievement of small firm growth. The concept of networking should be broadened to include virtual networking (e. g. Twitter). Also social networking should be encouraged for female entrepreneurs or mompreneurs. An internet-based advisory or e-coaching service on advanced ICT solutions, ICT/busi — ness integration practices, establishment of virtual offices, and virtual business units could also be established as part of the networking initiative.
Given the lacuna of empirical research specific to the female entrepreneur and the mompreneur and ICT adoption it is suggested that research is warranted in the following areas:
• Investigate long-established female owned firms who have adopted ICT and have grown and maintained a competitive advantage in the market. These will form the basis of important “good practice” case studies to assist female counterparts in the achievement of small firm growth.
• Build a more comprehensive body of knowledge on how internal factors shape the pattern of growth female owner/man — aged firms. In particular research on how owner/manager characteristics (age, education and work experience), the characteristics of the firm (product/service and industry profile) and the strategic activities of the owner/manager impact on the growth process and whether ICT has had an impact on this.
• Comparative studies of female-owned businesses who have adopted ICT and those that have not.
The findings of this research and the suggestions for further research will serve to progress a research topic that is still in its infancy in and one, which is of importance to academia, government support agencies, policy makers and female owner/managers/mompreneurs alike.