18. How is creativity different to innovation

18. How is creativity different to innovation?

Creativity and innovation are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two distinct concepts. Creativity refers to the ability to think in unconventional ways, to come up with new and original ideas. It involves thinking outside the box, being a blue sky thinker, and having a lateral thinking approach. A blue sky thinker is someone who comes up with ideas that are not limited by existing constraints or norms. They imagine possibilities that others may not consider, and they explore uncharted territories.

A lateral thinker is someone who approaches problems from unexpected angles. They are able to connect seemingly unrelated ideas and find innovative solutions. To think outside the box means to consider perspectives and ideas that are not part of the mainstream thinking. It involves breaking free from conventional limits and exploring new possibilities.

Creativity is not just about generating ideas, but also about taking those ideas and bringing them to life. This is where innovation comes into play. Innovation is the process of applying creative ideas to solve real-world problems. It involves taking those ideas and transforming them into practical solutions. It requires verification, testing, and refining of the ideas to ensure their feasibility and effectiveness.

The innovation process can be broken down into several stages. The first stage is illumination, where the initial creative ideas are generated. This is followed by verification, where the ideas are evaluated and tested for their viability. Once the ideas have been verified, the next stage is intimation, where the ideas are refined and developed further. This may involve collaboration with others and seeking feedback and input.

After the ideas have been refined, the next stage is incubation, where the ideas are implemented and brought to fruition. This involves a holistic approach to tackling problems, looking at the bigger picture and considering all aspects and potential impacts. It requires a safe pair of hands, someone who is reliable and capable of managing the implementation process.

To give someone a hand means to offer help or assistance. In the context of creativity and innovation, it means supporting and encouraging others to come up with new ideas and bring them to life. To have one's hands full means to have a lot of work or responsibilities to deal with. It implies being busy and having limited time or resources.

Hand in hand means working together or in close cooperation. It implies unity and collaboration. If someone's hands are tied, it means they are unable to act or make decisions due to external constraints or limitations. On hand means available or accessible. It implies having something readily available when needed.

Having time on one's hands means having free time or being able to spend time on non-essential activities. To turn one's hand to anything means to be versatile and capable of doing various tasks

or jobs. To have a quick insight into something means to have a sudden and intuitive understanding of it.

A counterpart refers to a person or thing that has the same function or purpose as another. In the context of creativity and innovation, it may refer to someone who shares similar skills or abilities. To multi-task and solve problems means to handle multiple tasks or challenges simultaneously.

Facing prejudice means encountering bias or discrimination based on preconceived notions or stereotypes. It can hinder creativity and innovation by limiting opportunities and stifling diverse perspectives. Overcoming prejudice requires challenging assumptions and promoting inclusivity and diversity.

To exploit opportunities means to take advantage of favorable circumstances or situations. It involves recognizing and capitalizing on potential avenues for growth and development. Generating creative ideas is the first step in the innovation process. It involves coming up with new and original concepts or solutions.

Applying creative ideas is the final step in the innovation process. It involves implementing and executing the ideas to address a specific problem or challenge. It requires turning ideas into action and achieving tangible results.

In conclusion, creativity and innovation are closely related but distinct concepts. Creativity involves thinking outside the box and generating new ideas, while innovation involves applying those ideas to solve real-world problems. Both creativity and innovation are essential for driving progress and achieving success in various fields.