Motivations and challenges of intrapreneurship in research organizations. The case of decision support systems in agricultural research for development

Abstract

This article focuses on researchers who are using the outputs of their scientific research to develop decision support systems (DSS) to advanced technology readiness levels. By taking their DSS beyond the published proofs of concept level, they are assuming the role of intrapreneurs. We examine the role and motivations of individual researchers in producing these DSS in relation to the main organizational barriers and opportunities presented by their home institution. The study is based on interviews with researchers, computer engineers, support services staff, and senior-level managers at CIRAD, a French agricultural research for development institute. Our findings reveal that individual motivations are key and often clash with institutional concerns regarding products that fall outside the institution's usual field of expertise. Research institutions should consider carefully the relevance of investing in the development of finalized DSS given the time and effort required from researchers. This study offers a perspective on intrapreneurship processes, highlighting the motivations of researchers to generate impact outside academia and the opportunities and conflicts emerging from the internal realities of research institutions.