Intrapreneurship and Innovation in Engineering Education

It is observed that around 1- 2 % of the faculty members in autonomous institutes usually take a risk in developing many innovative projects and programs for corporate and International Development Agencies (IDAs) by responding to letters of invitation or advertisements through abiding process. They utilize their talents, expertise and prepare high quality and cost effective projects which meet the stringent terms of references (TORs). These faculties needs empowerment and a delegation of 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 Intrapreneurship who are risk-taking faculty members, and also think out of the 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 a conducive environment for creating new and innovative products; the management has to take a lead.