An inclusive innovation system (IIS) is defined as the agents, relationships, institutions, and infrastructure necessary to create innovations that promote the social and economic well-being of those experiencing exclusion. The literature suggests that all agents in an IIS, especially those with agency capability, should have a social directionality that promotes the community well- being. However, empirical evidence reveals that these agents may behave in ways that affect the development of an inclusive innovation system. This research aims to deepen the understanding of how the directionality of agents with agency capability, and their altruistic or egotistical behaviours, influence the dynamics in an inclusive innovation system. Three cases of excluded communities in Colombia were compared using a qualitative and descriptive approach. The results show that agency capability alone is insufficient to promote inclusive innovation dynamics and ultimately, inclusive innovation systems.