The Edward de Bono Institute celebrates World Creativity and Innovation Week
World Creativity and Innovation Week was first launched in 2001 and is now celebrated in an evergrowing number of countries. The aim of WCIW is to inspire new thinking and to foster a culture for creativity and innovation.
The United Nations resolved to include World Creativity and Innovation Day on 21 April, as a Day of Observance to encourage people to use creativity in problem-solving for all issues related to achieving the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals.
In celebration of World Creativity and Innovation Week, the Edward de Bono Institute collaborated with a number of entities to raise awareness about the need for creativity and innovation across different strata in society. Events varied in form and content. From formal boardrooms to a lovely outdoor venue, staff and students at the Edward de Bono Institute within the University of Malta engaged participants in enticing ways.
Ernst & Young (Malta) and Speedcast, a global organisation with offices in Sta Venera, provided the opportunity to a group of employees to learn and practice aspects of creative thinking. In collaboration with Malta Mumpreneurs Network a session was also held for a group of mums who would like to set up their own venture. In this instance participants were introduced to ways in which they may take into consideration potential business opportunities.
On another occasion artistic creativity was celebrated through an event entitled, Artists unite for animal shelters, which took place at Chateau Buskett. In this instance, the Edward de Bono Institute collaborated with Star Events who organised this activity.
The launch of the Academy for Creativity e-platform took place on 20 April. This e-tool was the result of work carried out through an Erasmus+ project entitled Cremo, which kicked off in September 2015. The e-platform is intended to develop students’ understanding of creativity and help them to become more creative in the process.
Celebrations of World Creativity and Innovation Week were also organised for students enrolled on courses provided by the Edward de Bono Institute. On Tuesday, 17 April, BRND WGN a creative organisation, held a workshop for students enrolled on the Master in Creativity and Innovation. Creative activities gave students a glimpse into the realm of marketing.
A panel discussion entitled Transitions was held on 19 April. This event was open to all students of the University of Malta. Davinia Mallia Pule’ of NGAGE – Marketing-PREvents and Buzymummy.com, Saz Mifsud of Saz Mifsud Design House and Kurt Mifsud, founder of the Mediterranean Culinary Academy were invited to speak to students about their experiences in seizing business opportunities. The three speakers were engaging and inspirational, enticing students to dream and look for opportunities while listening to their instincts.
The busy schedule enabled further outreach by the Edward de Bono Institute for the Design and Development of Thinking. The Institute currently offers a Diploma in Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, a Master programme and PhD programme.