Strategic Creativity

A visionary guide for organizations to harmonize the deep interplay between strategy and creativity Strategic Creativity is the first book to address creativity from a strategic perspective. It discusses, through examples and theoretical reflection, how strategic thinking enables creative solutions—and why it is mistaken to conceptualize creativity and strategy as opposites. It argues that to change the present, we need to learn how to shape the future by embracing uncertainty and openness as an opportunity to create something new.  This book invites readers to engage with key questions surrounding how we live our lives, pursue our endeavours, and shape the future, proposing a model that applies to both individual practice and the larger whole. Core topics explored in this book include:  The strategic importance of practices in acting creatively and ensuring creative practices succeed by designing strategically  Establishing creative enterprises to help organizations move forward, such as by inventing “positive economies”  Changing perspectives in curatorial strategies, connecting spheres through entrepreneurial strategies, and bringing worlds together through diplomatic strategies  Strategic Creativity earns a well-deserved spot on the bookshelves of artists, designers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders in creative organizations, political movements, and beyond seeking to act seriously yet playfully, ambitiously yet modestly, and seamlessly merge two dynamic concepts for a clear competitive advantage.

Introduction: The Basic Model 1 Part I How Does Strategic Creativity Work? 19 1.1 Acting Creatively: The Strategic Importance of Practices 21 1.2 Designing Strategically: Ensuring Creative Practices Succeed 36 1.3 Creating Value: Practicing Strategic Creativity 54 Part II How Does Strategic Creativity Take Effect? 71 2.1 Developing Individual Practice: “Du musst dein Leben ändern” 73 2.2 Establishing Creative Enterprises: “How an Organization Will Move Forward, Successfully” 88 2.3 Inventing “Positive Economies”: “Il me faut une économie positive!” 106 Part III How Does Strategic Creativity Establish Relations? 125 3.1 Curatorial Strategies: Changing Perspectives 127 3.2 Entrepreneurial Strategies: Connecting Spheres 142 3.3 Diplomatic Strategies: Bringing Worlds Together 158 Outlook: Toward the Future, with Strategic Creativity 177 References 197 About the Authors 207 Critical Acclaim 209