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Advances and Impacts of the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving pp 39–55Cite as

A Critical Comparison of Two Creativity Methods for Fostering Participatory Innovation: Implications to Improve TRIZ

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Abstract

We present an empirical study in which we contrast two creativity methods, the lateral thinking method and the improvisational theatre method, to investigate their applicability for advancing participatory innovation. While both of the contrasted methods aim to increase creativity as a means of improving participative innovation, they differ in terms of their conceptualisations of creativity, goals and processes. We propose that these two methods could complement the weaknesses of the TRIZ method (theory of inventive problem solving), especially in cases in which diverse experts gather to innovate, solve problems and generate new knowledge for shared goals. We illustrate the utilisation of the methods by reporting two creative development workshops. The paper sheds light on methods for fostering creative participatory innovation and highlights the collective nature of co-creation in participatory innovation. In addition, the paper suggests how the studied participative co-creative methods could be useful in improving the TRIZ method.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Business and Management, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Lappeenranta, Finland

    Anna-Maija Nisula & Aino Kianto

Authors
  1. Anna-Maija Nisula
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  2. Aino Kianto
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Anna-Maija Nisula .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Machine Design and Research, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland

    Sebastian Koziołek

  2. School of Engineering Science, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Lappeenranta, Finland

    Leonid Chechurin

  3. School of Business and Management, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Lappeenranta, Finland

    Mikael Collan

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Nisula, AM., Kianto, A. (2018). A Critical Comparison of Two Creativity Methods for Fostering Participatory Innovation: Implications to Improve TRIZ. In: Koziołek, S., Chechurin, L., Collan, M. (eds) Advances and Impacts of the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-96532-1_4

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