Platform Feature Ecosystems and Women’s Entrepreneurial Revenue Trajectories: A Systematic Mixed-Method Evidence Synthesis from Emerging Economies

Abstract

In developing economies, digital platforms have significantly enhanced women’s micro-entrepreneurial activities.  However, the specific tools on these platforms that help to strategize and execute options for sustained revenue growth are yet to be explored. This study makes use of systematic mixed-method evidence which combines the analysis of 30 peer-reviewed studies (2020–2025) to ascertain feature-led methods to achieve outcomes for women's economic empowerment using integrated digital payment, increased access to algorithmic credit, infrastructure to build peer networks, and optimize social commerce tools. Capability theory and social capital approaches are used in this study to conceptualize a Gendered Capability Conversion Framework. This approach helps identify the platform feature ecosystems that contribute to reduced gender specific conversion restraints such as mobility issues, biased credit practices, and devoid of community support in India and other emerging economies. Evidence from quasi-experimental studies show that integration of mobile payment correlates with a 35% to 67% sales increase in women's entrepreneurial activity, while peer support networks indicate 40% to 52% enhancement in survival rates as far as business is concerned. Long term business growth prospects are dependent on collaborative multi-feature ecosystems, used by illustrative longitudinal trajectory modeling instead of isolated interventions. The gendered platform empowerment theory gets impetus as it identifies feature-specific avenues for growth. It also guides industry practitioners, designers working on ecommerce platform design, and policymakers to create add-on features and models to grow, support and enhance online business activities among women resulting in wealth maximization.