Is Creativity the Same as Innovation?

This article is a special dedication to those brave souls who embrace their uniqueness in a world that often demands conformity. The inspiration to write these words was sparked by my friend Brian, who urged me not to let World Creativity and Innovation Day slip by unnoticed. Brian is not only a climate innovator but also a compassionate thought leader, whose office resides in the magnificence of a towering building in Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstractly, when thinking about creativity and innovation, another term that comes to mind is talent. However, in latter day high-end circles, definition of terms seems to be outdated. People are starting to behave like the villagers in Chinua Achebe’s “No Longer At Ease,” who set standards too high for Obi Okonkwo, that because he had studied literature in the queen’s land, he was not expected to speak in the basic English of “what and where.”

But are we they? Are they we? I suppose, let us unpack these words with relevant life case scenarios slowly, with the keenness of a man walking while counting notes;

What defines someone as creative varies widely, but generally, creativity encompasses a range of abilities such as humor, wit, artistic expression, and craftsmanship. Many view creativity as rooted in innate talents. Take, for instance, the story of Mavyuva, whom I wrote about recently. He would sing itheke, praising men as they enjoyed karubu, and they would gift him with numerous jugs of the brew. This exemplifies creativity. Similarly, a child shaping an elephant from mud or painters crafting murals on the streets showcases creativity in different forms.

On the other hand, innovation is closely linked with technology. Often, when we hear ‘technology,’ our minds jump to the internet and other modern advancements. However, at its core, technology refers to the methods of accomplishing tasks, including both tools and processes.

Recently, at a corporate networking event, one of the speakers made a thought-provoking statement: ‘Many of you business people claim to be innovators, yet your businesses are merely printing T-shirts.’ Essentially, he emphasized that true innovation involves devising new ways of doing things. For instance, consider the transition from mud to plasticine for children’s modeling activities or the current bottling of local brews. The evolution of farm tools is another prime example, where the humble hoe has transformed into the efficient jembe, and even further, from wooden to plastic handles. This illustrates the essence of innovation; constantly pushing boundaries and reimagining possibilities.

However, this is not to say that the two are worlds apart. Not at all. They are very closely related. In fact, they are very dependent on each other. In my understanding of life, I’d say creativity fuels innovation, and innovation enhances creativity.

We can use creativity and innovation as powerful tools to bring about positive change in our local communities. By harnessing imaginative solutions and embracing innovative approaches, we empower ourselves to address pressing challenges effectively. Through collaborative efforts and forward-thinking initiatives, we can create vibrant, thriving society for all.

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