How can organisations better nurture intrapreneurship to achieve sustainable innovation? Here are authentic stories to showcase how remarkable achievements unfold when companies empower their employees to innovate, share ideas, and transform them into reality.
Intrapreneurship is a term that combines “internal” and “entrepreneurship.” It refers to employees taking on entrepreneurial roles within a company. Unlike entrepreneurs, who start their own businesses, intrapreneurs develop new ideas, projects, or processes while working for an existing organisation. They have the freedom to experiment and create, using the company’s resources, infrastructure, and support.
The concept of intrapreneurship has gained popularity over the years as organisations recognise the value of internal innovation to remain competitive.
This article explains what intrapreneurship is, its key features, its benefits, and examples of how it works. It also looks at how intrapreneurship differs from traditional entrepreneurship.
The concept of intrapreneurship has evolved significantly since its inception. In 1985, Time magazine’s article “Here Come the Intrapreneurs” brought widespread attention to the term. Since then, intrapreneurship has become a cornerstone of innovation strategies in leading organisations. Companies increasingly recognise the value of fostering a culture that supports intrapreneurial efforts.
Intrapreneurs are often at the forefront of adopting emerging trends and technologies, ensuring their organisations remain relevant and competitive. By encouraging intrapreneurship, companies can harness the creativity and initiative of their employees to drive growth and transformation.
Defining the intrapreneur
The term “intrapreneur” is a blend of “internal” and “entrepreneur.” It was first introduced by Gifford Pinchot III and Elizabeth S. Pinchot in a 1978 white paper titled Intra-Corporate Entrepreneurship. Unlike entrepreneurs who venture independently to establish new businesses, intrapreneurs operate within an existing organisation, developing projects that can have a profound impact on the company’s future.
While entrepreneurs bear the full risks of their endeavours, intrapreneurs benefit from the financial backing and support of their employer. This symbiotic relationship allows intrapreneurs to innovate without the outsized personal risks often associated with entrepreneurship.
Key characteristics of intrapreneurs
Intrapreneurs have qualities often linked to successful entrepreneurs. Their ability to spot opportunities, solve problems, and bring new ideas to life makes them stand out in a company. Some key traits of intrapreneurs include:
- Risk-taking – Intrapreneurs are willing to invest time, effort, and sometimes even personal resources to develop new ideas. While they do not face the same financial risks as entrepreneurs, they do take professional risks, such as their reputation within the company.
- Innovation – They focus on creating new solutions, processes, or products that improve how the organisation works or competes in the market.
- Independence – Intrapreneurs often manage their projects with little supervision while ensuring their ideas fit within the company’s broader goals.
- Resource utilisation – They make the most of the company’s available resources, such as technology, funding, and skilled employees, to turn their ideas into reality.
- Collaborative spirit – Intrapreneurs work across different departments, building relationships and using the expertise of various teams to support their projects.
- Shared rewards – The results of their efforts benefit both the company and the intrapreneur, leading to company growth while also boosting their own career opportunities.
Traits of successful intrapreneurs
Some qualities help intrapreneurs succeed in their roles. These include:
- Proactivity – They can spot challenges and opportunities before they arise.
- Strategic thinking – They understand how their projects fit into the company’s overall goals.
- Adaptability – They are flexible and adjust to changes as needed.
- Knowledge-seeking – They always look for new information and learning opportunities.
- Resourcefulness – They find creative ways to solve problems and make use of available resources.
- Collaborative leadership – They inspire and motivate others to support their vision, helping to create a culture of innovation.
Benefits of intrapreneurship
Intrapreneurship benefits both individuals and organisations, fostering innovation and growth. Some key advantages include:
For organisations:
- Improved innovation – Intrapreneurs introduce fresh ideas, helping businesses stay competitive.
- Higher employee engagement – Encouraging employees to take ownership of projects makes them more committed.
- Financial growth – Successful intrapreneurial projects can create new revenue streams and reduce costs.
- Stronger market position – Innovative ideas help companies stand out from their competitors.
For intrapreneurs:
- Skill development – Leading projects builds leadership, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
- Career growth – Success in intrapreneurship can lead to promotions and bigger opportunities.
- Networking opportunities – Working with different teams and external partners expands professional connections.
- Personal fulfilment – Bringing new ideas to life gives intrapreneurs a sense of achievement.
Examples of intrapreneurship
Many groundbreaking innovations were born from intrapreneurship. Here are some notable examples:
- Gmail: Paul Buchheit, working at Google, developed Gmail, the first email platform offering extensive storage and an efficient search function.
- Post-it Notes: Art Fry, an employee at 3M, revisited a failed adhesive experiment by Spencer Silver to create the now-iconic Post-it notes.
- Sony PlayStation: Ken Kutaragi, a Sony employee, developed the PlayStation to improve his daughter’s Nintendo gaming experience, leading to the creation of one of the most successful gaming consoles.
- eBay’s Retail Innovation: Healey Cypher identified a gap in eBay’s offerings and developed interactive storefronts, transforming the company’s approach to physical retail.
Adopting an intrapreneurial mindset
Anyone can cultivate an intrapreneurial mindset, regardless of their formal role within an organisation. By embracing the following practices, employees can position themselves as valuable intrapreneurs:
- Identify opportunities: Observe team processes and company operations to identify areas for improvement. Propose realistic, innovative solutions to address these challenges.
- Volunteer for projects: Actively participate in initiatives that align with your interests and offer opportunities to expand your skills.
- Build cross-functional relationships: Collaborate with colleagues across departments to gain diverse perspectives and support for your ideas.
- Seek mentorship: Learn from experienced professionals within your organisation who have successfully led innovative projects.
- Develop your skills: Invest in continuous learning to enhance your knowledge and capabilities.
- Start small: Work on your passion project during your free time. Present a well-developed idea to management once it’s refined.
Final thoughts
Intrapreneurs play a key role in shaping the future of businesses by combining creative thinking with the company’s resources. Their ability to take calculated risks, collaborate, and drive innovation helps businesses grow and succeed.
For individuals, developing an intrapreneurial mindset can lead to personal and professional success, giving them opportunities to lead impactful projects. For companies, fostering intrapreneurship can lead to greater innovation, employee engagement, and long-term competitiveness.
Himani Verma is a seasoned content writer and SEO expert, with experience in digital media. She has held various senior writing positions at enterprises like CloudTDMS (Synthetic Data Factory), Barrownz Group, and ATZA. Himani has also been Editorial Writer at Hindustan Time, a leading Indian English language news platform. She excels in content creation, proofreading, and editing, ensuring that every piece is polished and impactful. Her expertise in crafting SEO-friendly content for multiple verticals of businesses, including technology, healthcare, finance, sports, innovation, and more.
