How to cure the Not Invented Here Syndrome?

In his book “Innovation²”, published in April 2026, Paul-François Fournier, Chief Innovation Officer at Bpifrance, recommends that large corporations allocate 20% of their R&D budgets to start-ups through partnerships, acquisitions, and equity investments. The rationale is that start-ups now account for more than 20% of R&D in France, twice as much as 10 years ago. Biotech sector should be a model to emulate. In this sector indeed, symbiosis has taken precedence over the ineffective interactions we often witness, particularly in France.

My take is that Paul-François Fournier prescribes strong ‘top-down’ measures because he is aware of the reluctance of large corporations to engage in innovation partnerships with start-ups.

Shouldn’t we blame the ‘Not Invented Here’ (NIH) syndrome?

The NIH syndrome involves underestimating ideas that come from outside. It spares no country on earth, and appears in organisations that develop heavily in-house, have well-established technical routines, or protect an expertise perceived as distinctive.

In this article, I highlight the negative effects of the NIH syndrome. It is difficult to fend off, as there are so many root causes. The remedy may be either a ‘homeopathic’ approach, focusing on the daily management of Research, Development and Innovation teams, or a ‘drastic’ treatment at senior management level.

Companies have different levers available to act. Start-ups and innovative suppliers should also be part of the solution.

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