Fostering an Entrepreneurial Mindset through Artificial Intelligence Integration in Corporate R&D Cultures

Abstract

In increasingly competitive markets, corporate R&D units must transition from purely exploitative innovation toward ambidextrous, entrepreneurial modes of operation. Embedding Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies offers a powerful lever: augmenting human creativity, enabling data-driven insight, and empowering intrapreneurs across organizations. Drawing from pre-2019 literature, this paper explores how AI tools—ranging from predictive analytics and machine learning to no-code platforms—can catalyze entrepreneurial thinking within R&D environments. Through facilitating autonomous experimentation, lowering barriers to prototyping, and democratizing access to innovation technologies, AI contributes to a culture of calculated risk-taking, proactive initiative, and strategic agility. We present a methodology for nurturing AI-powered intrapreneurship: identifying AI opportunity areas, equipping cross-functional teams with AI tools, establishing internal intrapreneur programs with leadership support, and cultivating psychological safety. Key findings include: AI’s capability to flatten technical hierarchies and empower non-technical innovators; the role of intrapreneurship enablers such as leadership mandate, risk tolerance, and supportive structures; and the facilitative role of innovation communities and ambidextrous cultures. Advantages consist of faster idea-to-prototype cycles, broader participation in innovation, and enhanced responsiveness to market dynamics. Disadvantages include potential ethical oversight gaps, uneven tool adoption, and leadership inertia. We conclude that integrating AI into R&D not only accelerates technological innovation but also reshapes mindsets, embedding entrepreneurial orientation within the corporate DNA. Future research should empirically evaluate AIfueled intrapreneurship programs and explore frameworks for ethical, scalable implementation.