The unit has a corporate sponsor, usually called a champion, from the beginning.

Survival in its first years is often highly dependent on the career of the champion.

The unit is staffed up quickly, so the career path (or lack of one) from the unit quickly becomes evident.

At the beginning, a positive record of successes is not a factor in its acceptance, so it may have time to mature.

The initial audience for its services is usually clear and centralized, such as a strategic planning officer.

The use of its output is often mandated at the same time it is created.

The name given the unit reflects its purpose, such as Marketing Intelligence or Competitor Research.

Available funds for the unit's operation are directly appropriated or come from another budget source controlled by its sponsor.