Innovation, as well as scientific research, is not a gender-neutral activity. There are few research results available concerning women's and men's contribution to the process of innovation at the national, regional and enterprise levels. Examining the current situation in this area of research, is the first and necessary step towards better understanding of women's and men's potential in the process of innovation. It is also a chance to point out a new source of synergies taking place in this

more »

... rocess. The main objective of this article is to present the results of research addressing gender approach to the process of innovation. The first part of the article presents newly created integrated genome, dedicated to conduct the multidimensional research on women and men participation in the process of innovation, examining their traits, attitudes, behaviours and competencies. This design allows us to grasp the commonalities and differences between women and men roles in the process of innovation. The second part of article presents results of the pilot survey. Respondents of this survey were research personnel from Polish innovative enterprises. There are certain differences and similarities in what women and men perceive as important in the process of innovation. Skilful use of these attitudes in mixed research teams may become a new source of progress in the process of innovation.