This thesis explores and explains social processes in the development of internal corporate ventures. To address this research aim, three research questions are presented to inform the investigation of roles, relationships and social processes in CV activity. In order to address these questions, a critical literature review is presented which explores research findings and conceptual studies in relation to the development of internal corporate ventures and the three specific research questions. This informs the development of three initial thematic templates. A research philosophy is presented which explains the subjectivist ontology and strong social constructionist epistemological stance of the research project. This is followed by an exploration of social processes leading to the development of a conceptual framework. The thematic template and conceptual framework are subsequently interrogated through the analysis of 46 transcripts of telephone interviews with individuals engaged in CV activity. Following the discussion of results, a refinement of the conceptual framework is proposed. Subsequently, a longitudinal CIT case study is presented and analysed in relation to the developed framework. Finally, a key summary is provided and contributions to knowledge, limitations and implications are presented.