Creativity can be defined as the identification of problems and the generation of ideas, while innovation can be defined as the selection, development and commercialization of ideas.
There are other useful definitions in this field, for example, creativity can be defined as a series of ideas, several diverse ideas, and several novel ideas.
There are different processes that improve problem identification and idea generation, and similarly, different processes that improve idea selection, development, and commercialization. While there is no sure route to commercial success, these processes improve the likelihood that good ideas will be generated and selected, and that investment in developing and commercializing those ideas will not be wasted.
group creativity
Effective group creativity results from managing a number of different elements, some of which are:
a) Group structure. Large and small groups, individual and pair combinations produce variations in creative output.
b) Motivation. Impact the group of ideas.
c) Structure of tasks. Set start and end points, set limits. It affects creative production.
d) Tacit knowledge. Make tacit knowledge explicit and therefore tangible, usable and measurable.
e) Creative and critical thinking. Produce and then edit.
f) Evaluation of ideas. Effective idea selection allows resources to be focused on development and commercialization.
g) Network management. Take advantage of knowledge, overcome competition traps, build bridges.
h) Cultivation. Create an enabling environment.
i) Depth versus beam. What is more productive, mastering the literature of the field or framing the foray into other fields?
i) Process. Qualitative research shows that people who generate a lot of ideas regularly follow a similar process, whether they know it or not.
These and other topics are covered in depth in the MBA dissertation on Managing Creativity and Innovation, which can be purchased (along with a Creativity and Innovation Audit, Good Idea Generator software, and a PowerPoint presentation) at http://www.managing-creativity.com/
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