Designing training plans in creativity techniques for companies
Year: 2013
Editor: John Lawlor, Ger Reilly, Robert Simpson, Michael Ring, Ahmed Kovacevic, Mark McGrath, William Ion, David Tormey, Erik Bohemia, Chris McMahon, Brian Parkinson
Author: Canina, Marita; Anselmi, Laura; Coccioni, Elisabetta
Series: E&PDE
Institution: Politecnico di Milano, Italy
Section: Creativity
Page(s): 114-119
ISBN: 978-1-904670-42-1
Abstract
It is widely recognized that training in creativity techniques enhances the competitiveness and efficiency of companiesâ production processes. As well as contributing to self-fulfilment, creativity is one of the primary sources of innovation, which is recognized as one of the main driving forces underlying sustainable economic development [1]. This driving force is fundamental in the creation of companies able to enhance Europe's competitive edge on an international level. The need for a new entrepreneurial culture capable of stimulating, encouraging and fostering the possibility of development of individual and group abilities emerges as an inspiration for new innovating strategies. Relying on the idea that creativity is the basis of innovation, to learn and to manage creativity techniques becomes strategic in meeting enterprises' need for innovation and competitive performance. According to Hollanders and van Cruysen's system of indicators based on the European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) [2] and aimed at quantifying creativity and design, the role of professional training is central. The paper presents a methodology for drafting a Training Plan for companies. The methodology relies on two approaches similar in structure but different in outcome, both able to meet companyâs specific needs. The first approach considers innovation enhancement based on enterprisesâ ability to be creative (IDEActivity). This approach relies on co-design in order to actively involve enterprises in understanding and shaping their own creativity tools and gain a competitive edge. The second approach revolves around a methodology (Creative Problem Solving â CPS) enabling people to work creatively both individually and in teams, by training their ability to generate innovative and nonconventional solutions.
Keywords: Training, creativity, methodology, companies