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.

Raw brainpower versus experience

The best problem identification, idea generation and idea selection requires a intellectual cross pollination. That means, at least:

a) A large number of people.

b) Large diversity of people.

c) Large novelty of people.

There are of course other classifications, and one of the most interesting is:

a) Those with raw brainpower. A team of hot shot Ivy League MBA