Makerspaces and STEM Skills in Latin American Female Entrepreneurship: A Bibliometric Analysis of Innovation and Scalability (2015–2026)

Abstract

integration of women into technological innovation and international trade ecosystems in Latin America is hindered by persistent structural challenges. This study conducted a systematic review combined with a bibliometric analysis (2015–2026) in Scopus. Using co-occurrence analysis with VOSviewer, the study examined the relationship between makerspaces, STEM education, and female entrepreneurship in the region. The results reveal substantial research on makerspaces and gender in developed economies (87 documents), with no Latin American representation. Meanwhile, 56 regional publications on women in STEM education were identified, primarily in Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil. However, these publications did not incorporate the maker ecosystem conceptually. A search on female entrepreneurship and internationalization in Latin America yielded only one document. These findings reveal structural fragmentation in the field and an absence of integration between maker infrastructure, STEM training, and female business internationalization in the region. In conclusion, there is a need for an approach that links technological capabilities, gender inclusion, and global scalability strategies in contexts such as Ecuador.