On June 13th, the Embassy of Denmark and the Center for Transatlantic Relations at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University hosted a high-level panel debate on women and innovation with a focus on how entrepreneurship can provide important means for women to empower themselves in the future job market.

Innovation is where foundations for new businesses are laid out. Innovation and female entrepreneurship empowers women and gives women a strong platform in market economy. Evidence shows that gender balanced organizations contribute to diversified discussions and debates, as well as a healthy, productive work climate, which is good for business. In other words, women and innovation comprise an attractive match.

A panel comprised by scholars, practitioners, policymakers and entrepreneurs sat down to discuss solutions as to how we can develop an innovation sector, which reflect diversity, as well as empower women to design policies and products. Throughout the discussion, the panel touched upon topics such as government structures, the Nordic approach, local initiatives, the future of jobs and the impact on the global economy.

Panellists included Ms. Betty Bernstein-Zabza, Senior Advisor and Director of Operations at Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues, U.S. Department of State, Mr. Ryan Ross, Halcyon Incubators, Ms. Kalpana Kochhar, Director at IMF’s Human Resources Department and co-author of “Women, Work, and Economic Growth: Leveling the Playing Field”, Ms. Annamaria Konya Tannon, Founder and CEO at Equita Accelerator at George Washington University and Ms. Ulla Rønberg.