Intrapreneurship and Innovation in Engineering Education

It is observed that around 1-2% of the faculty membersin autonomous institutes usually take risk in developing many innovative projects and programs for corporates and International Development Agencies (IDAs) by responding to letters of invitation or advertisements through bidding process. They utilize their talents, expertise and prepare high quality and cost effective projects which meet the stringent terms of references (TORs). These faculty need empowerment, and delegation from administrators of the institutes but they are usually neglected in many institutes. Usually there is an inordinate delay in forwarding the bid documents and providing with sufficient technical staff even though the revenue generated would meet all expenditures. Most of the innovations are due to intrapreneuers who are risk taking faculty members, and also think out of box and provide creative solutions.

There is a need for supporting policy from the Chief Executing Officers (CEOs), Board of Governors, and government to encourage such outstanding ventures. Even though these institutes enjoy all types of autonomy but it is not passed on to the departments and to the faculty members. Institutes have to plan project specific policies, maintain separate accounts and distribute the gains as per the approved norms. Also the fear of failing has to be removed from other faculty members besides giving the needed resources. Such initiatives would encourage more risk takers to undertake development activities, outreach programs and sponsored projects. Since, the institutes have to contribute to the economy through providing conducive environment for creating new and innovative products; the management has to take a lead.