the merits of using engineers as intrapreneurs in companies

INTRAPRENEURS, WITH AN EDGE

discusses the merits of using engineers as intrapreneurs in companies

    Innovating and exploring
    ‘blue oceans’ is critical for the survival of business ventures today. In marketing parlance, ‘blue oceans’ are untapped and uncontested markets, which provide little or no competition, since the markets are not crowded. Engineers can play an invaluable role in this area because of their expertise in generating new ideas. Why should engineers take up the role of intrapreneurship in an organisation? Somakumar Kolathur, CEO and co-founder, Moonraft Innovation Labs, Bangalore, answers, “Intrapreneurship gives you an opportunity to experience the challenges of building something of your own within the safety net of your organisation. It is the best way for you to create a larger impact in the business and build leadership skills. Engineers have the requisite skills to bring ideas to life.”
    Sampatkumar B Aratti, VP and CHRO, Lapp India Pvt Ltd elaborates, “Keeping in mind the current industrial and economic scenario, companies are definitely feeling the pressing need to use the best innovative strategies, so as to achieve a competitive edge. The ability to develop new products and services and catering to dynamic market conditions calls for a crucial focus on innovation. It is important that the work culture lays emphasis on value-driven work rather than focusing on volumes.”
    Madhur Ramani, managing partner, Stratum Consulting, tells us why employees generally hesitate in expanding boundaries, “Exploring blue oceans is not an easy task because it involves treading unknown and vast waters in search of hidden talent, which brings along high-risk factors. When potentially applying a blue ocean strategy, there is ample opportunity for organisational growth that can be both profitable and rapid.”
    Engineers are naturally oriented towards innovation and have a good knowledge of the idea generation cycle. Prithvi Shergill, CHRO, HCL Technologies Ltd explains, “Engineers are trained to be logical and follow a methodological approach in solving problems. This very skill leads them to fill the void in the market through new ideas and creativity in a structured manner. They often end up generating a whole new idea, which has higher chances of being effective. Thus, many of them are known for their innovative, out-of-the-box thinking.”
    Which other qualities are required for engineers to fit into the intrapreneurship role? Nalin Kumar Thakur, group president (HR & systems), Anil Group of Companies answers, “The intrapreneurship mindset requires challenging set norms and assumptions, stretching the horizon of ideas; yet remaining within the overall cultural and professional confines of the organisation. Selling
    ideas, leadership, ability to manage successes as well as failures, tackling conflicting ideas, handling diverse cultural backgrounds and so on, would be the traits that go into making a good intrapreneur.”