THE ROLE OF CORPORATE VENTURE CAPITAL IN FOSTERING INTRAPRENEURSHIP
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Date
2026-05
Authors
Barchuk, Iryna
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Abstract
This study examines how Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) influences intrapreneurship in artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics within technology services firms. Although CVC is increasingly used to access external innovation, limited research explains how it generates internal entrepreneurial capabilities and organizational value beyond financial returns. The study combines benchmark cases of Accenture Ventures and Globant Ventures with a qualitative multi-case analysis of six firms representing investor, operator, and hybrid roles in the Ukrainian and global technology ecosystem.
Grounded in Dynamic Capabilities Theory, Open Innovation Theory, and Absorptive Capacity, the research draws on interviews with 7 senior leaders and secondary quantitative data. Qualitative coding was used to examine transmission mechanisms, enabling conditions, organizational barriers, and success metrics.
The findings identify three organizational archetypes - Financial-First, Strategic-Hybrid, and Venture Builder - each demonstrating distinct pathways for converting CVC investments into intrapreneurial outcomes. Structured initiatives, including Founder-in-Residence programs and Shared Service Center ecosystems, are the most effective mechanisms for capability development, whereas informal talent-exchange models are less effective. Key barriers include billable-hour pressures, cultural resistance, intellectual property conflicts, and the absence of dedicated innovation budgets. Important enablers are problem-led investment strategies, strategic alignment, management support, legal structures, and protected innovation time. The study also shows that success is assessed through capability acquisition, client development, brand positioning, speed of pilot implementation, talent integration, and spin-off outcomes rather than financial return alone. Based on these findings, a practical three-phase framework is proposed to guide technology service firms in strengthening the internal impact of Corporate Venture Capital programs.
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Keywords
Corporate Venture Capital, intrapreneurship, AI and data analytics, technology service companies, Open Innovation, Absorptive Capacity, Dynamic Capabilities, knowledge transfer, Accenture Ventures, Globant Ventures, transmission mechanisms, organizational enablers
Citation
Barchuk, Iryna. (2026). THE ROLE OF CORPORATE VENTURE CAPITAL IN FOSTERING INTRAPRENEURSHIP. Kyiv: American University Kyiv. URI: