EMPOWERING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN INDIA: ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP, SOCIAL CAPITAL, AND AI INNOVATION AS CATALYSTS FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS

Povzetek

Introduction: Women entrepreneurs encourage innovation. They contribute to the creation of jobs and the expansion of the Indian industry. They struggle to grow and compete in dynamic markets due to limited resources, networks, and technology.

The purpose: This study is to examine how entrepreneurial leadership and social capital influence the inventions of Indian women entrepreneurs and their business performance. It also examines the moderating effect of innovation skills on enhancing company success.

Research Gap and Objectives: Despite growing acknowledgement of women entrepreneurs, research on leadership, social capital, and creativity in Indian women-owned SMEs is minimal. The study looks at the direct effects of entrepreneurial leadership and social capital on business performance and the ability to come up with new ideas. It also looks at the role that innovation capability plays in these effects.

Methods: The research examines 375 women-owned small and medium enterprises in India. We used SEM via partial least squares (PLS) to analyse structured questionnaire data and determine variable correlations.

Results: Entrepreneurial leadership and social capital improve business creativity and efficiency. Innovative capability mediates the connection between entrepreneurs, leadership, social capital, and corporate performance, underscoring its significance.
 Discussion: The findings suggest that female Indian entrepreneurs require leadership and strong networks of connections to maximise their creativity. A fast-changing business environment requires AI-driven innovation to solve problems and achieve competitiveness.

Originality: This study shows how entrepreneurial leadership, social capital, and creativity help Indian women-owned SMEs. AI innovation advances women entrepreneurs' profitability.