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Unlocking India’s Innovation Potential With Intrapreneurship
Unlocking India’s Innovation Potential With Intrapreneurship

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The future for India Inc. is looking very good on several fronts. As of FY ending in March 2024, the number of global capability centers in India increased to over 1700. While initially set up as operational centres, these GCCs are now evolving as innovation hubs. They are a key reason why India is being seen not only as the GCC capital of the world but also as a global innovation hub. Part of this rise can be attributed to our cultural and intellectual diversity across generations. However, this potential cannot be unlocked automatically and requires conscious efforts by Indian companies.

Intrapreneurship, the practice of fostering entrepreneurial thinking within existing enterprises, can provide a framework to achieve this. It is a transformational approach that enables employees to innovate from within, driving growth and sustainability in an unpredictable world. Intrapreneurial thinking can help Indian companies tap into their employees’ creativity, encouraging them to take risks and develop solutions that address the challenges of an evolving marketplace on an overburdened planet.

 

Workplaces that Facilitate Innovation at Every Level

Intrapreneurship allows organizations to encourage innovation at every level rather than relying solely on top-down strategies. This cultural shift is critical for India to unlock its potential as an innovation powerhouse.

One of the standout points raised during the recent Intrapreneurship Conclave was the need to look beyond traditional business structures. R. Gopalakrishnan, former Executive Director of Tata Sons, shared how, despite being a new term, the spirit of intrapreneurship has been practiced in the Tata Group and has been a key focus during his tenure. He shared his first brush with fostering innovation at the insistence of the then Chairperson, Mr Ratan Tata. Mr Gopalakrishnan added that encouraging innovation is not a linear or purely scientific process but a biological one happening at every level—“a process of optimizing uncertainty,” as he described it. 

 

Recognising Inclusivity and Sustainability as Enablers of Innovation

Puja Kohli, Founder and CEO of Unfold Consulting, pointed out during the Conclave that future innovation will not rely solely on technological advancements but will also embody principles of sustainability and inclusivity. Intrapreneurship provides the framework for employees to champion initiatives that promote environmental and social goals while driving business results. Organizations that integrate intrapreneurship into their sustainability and inclusivity strategies allow employees to lead social innovation projects. 

During the panel discussion on “Sustainability as a Catalyst for Intrapreneurship”, Sanjay Daflapurkar shared Tata Motor’s commitment to sustainability goals beyond regulatory requirements. This commitment flows down at all operational and functional levels. Similarly, Nirbhay Lumde from Prestige Group shared how sustainability consciousness drives innovation in the construction business. Water conservation takes the top spot in sustainability initiatives. From mandating STP-treated water for construction to using nature-friendly synthetic paints, creating biodiversity parks in properties and focusing on renewable energy, construction groups are innovating at every level. 

 

Transforming Workplaces to Prepare for the Future

A key theme throughout the Conclave was the importance of preparing for the future, particularly in a world where digital transformation and disruption are inevitable. Kamal Bali, President and MD of Volvo India, emphasized that digital disruptions, like the rise of digital twins and virtual simulations, change how companies innovate. These technologies enable employees to experiment in a virtual space, reducing the risks of innovation while accelerating the timeline from idea to execution. In such an environment, intrapreneurship becomes vital for employees to navigate new technologies and drive forward-thinking solutions. The principles of Intrapreneurship can help Indian workplaces transform to be agile, adaptable, and conducive to innovation.

 

The Bottom Line: Unleashing India’s Full Potential

Intrapreneurship can help India Inc. realize its potential as a global innovation hub fully. It is a cultural shift that encourages risk-taking, collaboration, and bold thinking. By promoting intrapreneurship, Indian companies can harness their workforce's diversity and creativity to drive innovation and sustainable and inclusive growth. This approach can help in positioning India as a leader in the global market—not just for today but well into the future.

 

This article was originally published on Intrapreneurship Knowledge Hub (IKH) Community hosted by Unfold Consulting here:

https://community.intrapreneurshipknowledgehub.live/p/unlocking-indias-innovation-potential-with-intrapreneurship-ear6samk9n1n6kox?refBy=MzJkZjllMWM3Mw


 


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Unfold is a leading culture consulting firm specializing in fostering Inclusive, Intrapreneurial, and Future-ready workplaces. With over 8 years of experience, we excel in organizational development and change management, guiding clients to build winning cultures. Our capability development programs (like Inclusive Leadership, Allyship, Intrapreneurial DNA, Mentoring and Reverse Mentoring) and research services equip your team with the knowledge and insights they need to thrive. Through audits and assessments, we provide a clear picture of your current workplace culture and identify areas for improvement. Our team is particularly passionate about promoting intrapreneurship in India through initiatives like the Vanguard Awards, Intrapreneurship Conclave, certification program and a digital knowledge hub. Unfold has held 5 editions of Intrapreneurship Conclave and engaged with ~150 organizations till date. Overall, we guide you towards a more educated, engaged, and evolved workplace.

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