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.

Working from real life

There are a number of reasons why working from real life generates better ideas than fiction or mental invention. Supporting arguments include:

a) Mental invention is one of the least successful idea types. Random event with previous knowledge, solution spotting and need spotting are far more successful.

b) The best ideas come from those people who have the most tacit knowledge