The Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) emerges as a prominent research & development (R&D) entity in high-performance computing, facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations that integrate computational methodologies with empirical research. Through interviews with 20 BSC experts, this study elucidates the organizational dynamics of publicly funded institutions. It reveals an internal exaptation, an adaptation as pivotal mechanism, and the requisite for external exaptation to address challenges related to recruitment alignment with productivity metrics, budget constraints, and reluctance to assume leadership roles. The BSC employs exaptation tactics, facing obstacles in enlarging its workforce and bolstering support services; nonetheless, BSC's fluid environment mandates a willingness to assume risks in order to enact pioneering resolutions for enduring expansion and effective personnel administration.