How do creativity and innovation relate to entrepreneurship

On April 21st, we celebrated the World Day of Creativity and Innovation in order to raise awareness of The role of creativity in human development. Two concepts that are becoming increasingly important in any sector, since they have completely transformed the way of entrepreneurship, working, running a company, leading a team, etc.In Santalucía Impulsa, like Santalucía Group's Open Innovation and Entrepreneurship ecosystem, we are aware that creativity and innovation, in addition to training, technological advances and transformation, are what provide entrepreneurs with the competencies and abilities that allow them to design, create and manage successful companies. But how are creativity and innovation related to entrepreneurship?

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The first step for an entrepreneur is, almost always, a new idea. The idea of a product or service that consumers need, but that the market doesn't yet offer. From this idea, a concrete concept emerges, and from it comes the real project, the company. This whole process starts with creativity, and creativity, in turn, requires innovation. Let's look at it in depth!

Creativity and Entrepreneurship

La resourcefulness It is one of the most natural qualities in most human beings; however, it is the foundation for any entrepreneur. The creative process must be present from the start and conception of a business, since it is what will allow it to differentiate itself from the competition. In fact, Brainstorming and mind maps are the two main methods in which creativity can be used to get ideas. But don't get confused, creativity is not only useful during the initial phase of a business. It must also be used to create the brand image, define marketing strategies, find solutions to problems that may arise, consolidate balance in the team... In short, it is the seed that, if planted well, will germinate into a product or service with great added value and will reap great success in a niche market. So, yes, we are talking about one of the most important requirements for achieving effectiveness.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

La innovation, on the other hand, it is a modification that adds new value to an existing idea, product or service. Many business ideas within an already established company are innovations, but based on previously created products. It is important to focus on that added value of innovation because, in order to create a better version that is successful, the change has to be in line with the transformation of the market and with the needs of current and potential customers. In general, innovation is a response to changes in the market or to external advances, which is why it is tremendously useful when it comes to adapting to changes and finding new features that improve the business structure. In addition, the concept of innovation is now more relevant than ever, considering the constantly changing society in which we find ourselves, with technological advances that are constantly taking place.

How are creativity and innovation related?

At this point and understanding both concepts, we came to the conclusion that creativity without innovation represents one more idea in the head of an entrepreneur, which probably will not be carried out. And innovation without creativity is simply undertaking a project that will not make a difference, will not offer any added value and, of course, will not have that differential aspect compared to the competition that will lead to success.

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Creativity and innovation: are they innate or are they working to undertake?

Therefore, even if there are those who think how creative and innovative you are or you are not, the truth is that both are skills that can be worked on. It is even common for levels of creativity to develop with the training acquired. Even so, activities such as creative reading and writing, making mind maps or simply observing can help expand creativity. Of course, it should be emphasized that innovation and creativity play an important role in the potential success of an entrepreneur, but to be a good entrepreneur, others are needed practical skills. The organization, the analytical mindset or the ability to work as a team are some of them.