Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.

There are other useful definitions in this field, for example, creativity can be defined as consisting of a number of ideas, a number of diverse ideas and a number of novel ideas.

There are distinct processes that enhance problem identification and idea generation and, similarly, distinct processes that enhance idea selection, development and commercialisation. Whilst there is no sure fire route to commercial success, these processes improve the probability that good ideas will be generated and selected and that investment in developing and commercialising those ideas will not be wasted.

Developing ideas within a framework

Developing ideas within a framework is one of the most effective methods of speeding up creative output.

The opposite of this is that any problem can be solved by breaking it up into its constituent parts. From the problem you derive the framework.

Frameworks:

a) Break a complex problem up into smaller, more manageable parts. Each part then becomes a problem solving exercise in it’s own right. Complexity is reduced into noncomplex constituents.

b) Focus the mind to working incrementally. Less expenditure of energy is required and competencies can be learned gradually.

c) Introduces feasibility, one of the critical factors of motivation. The manned mission to the moon was preceded by a successful unmanned mission.

d) Cause the mind to work on a problem at a time and speeds up completion time of the whole task. Working on problem A and then problem B to arrive at solution C is quicker than working on problem A and B together.

These and other topics are covered in depth in the MBA dissertation on Managing Creativity & Innovation, which can be purchased (along with a Creativity and Innovation DIY Audit, Good Idea Generator Software and Power Point Presentation) from http://www.managing-creativity.com/

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Kal Bishop, MBA

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Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached on http://www.managing-creativity.com/

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