Creativity and Innovation Processes in Industrial Engineering and Management

Abstract

This chapter examines Industrial Engineering and Management students’ understanding of their own and organizational creativity during the Creativity in Innovation Processes course. We are interested in how students perceive and experience creativity, the requirements for creativity in contemporary working life and the kind of understanding about creativity needed in the workplace. We are also interested how creativity and especially arts-based methods (ABM) facilitated students’ understanding about creativity. Based on the results, contemporary working life calls for creativity, critical and speculative thinking, and collaborative problem-solving skills. Additionally, it is essential to understand the importance of polyphonic interpretation and multi-voiced communication when addressing current and future challenges. To develop skills and understanding of creativity, it is important for students to combine theoretical knowledge about creativity in innovation activities with the experience of engaging in creativity and ABMs with other students and teachers, and then to experiment in their own organizations.