Intrapreneurship is the Practice of Entrepreneurship within a Large Organization
Intrapreneurship is the Practice of Entrepreneurship within a Large Organization
Intrapreneurship is the act of behaving like an entrepreneur while working within a large, established organization. Intrapreneurs are the "internal entrepreneurs" who drive innovation and new product development from within.
Intrapreneurs face a unique set of challenges. They often have to navigate corporate bureaucracy, overcome resistance to change, and secure resources for their projects. However, they also have access to the resources and expertise of a large organization, which can be a significant advantage.
To be successful, intrapreneurs need to be able to:
- Create an "island of freedom": They need to be able to create a space where they can experiment and iterate without being constrained by the rules and processes of the larger organization.
- Build a cross-functional team: They need to be able to assemble a team with all the skills necessary to build and launch a new product.
- Secure executive sponsorship: They need to have the support of senior leaders who can provide them with the resources and political cover they need to succeed.
Intrapreneurship is a critical driver of innovation in large companies. By fostering a culture of intrapreneurship, companies can stay competitive and adapt to the changing needs of the market. The principles of the Lean Startup methodology are just as applicable to intrapreneurs as they are to traditional entrepreneurs.