Futures

Exploring the Role of Creativity in Transforming the United Nations System, (from page 20241201.)

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Themes

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Summary

UN Global Pulse’s paper, “The Most Creative Look to the Future,” emphasizes the importance of creativity and imagination in driving innovation and transformation within the UN system. It aligns with the vision of combining past achievements with future creativity to tackle 21st-century challenges. The paper includes a workbook and competency model to guide practitioners in fostering creativity that leads to impactful innovation. It underscores that the UN’s creation was rooted in collective imagination and advocates for art and creative practices as essential for transformation. The paper provides insights and recommendations from experts on how creative practices can help organizations navigate complexity, engage diverse perspectives, and build future infrastructures. Key recommendations include assessing readiness for change, identifying champions, rethinking competencies, and experimenting with pilot projects.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Creative Practice Integration Incorporating art and imagination into the UN’s operational framework. From traditional bureaucratic approaches to embracing creativity as a core operational principle. UN operations may be characterized by a dynamic blend of creativity and structured processes. The need for innovation in addressing complex global challenges. 4
Longer Timelines Engagement Shifting focus to longer-term planning and engagement strategies. From short-term problem-solving to embracing longer timelines for sustainable solutions. Organizations may prioritize foresight and long-term impact in their planning processes. The increasing complexity and unpredictability of global challenges. 4
Intergenerational Knowledge Sharing Bridging knowledge gaps between different generations within organizations. From siloed knowledge to collaborative learning across generations. Organizations may leverage diverse generational insights to foster innovation and resilience. The value of diverse perspectives in tackling contemporary issues. 3
Rethinking Competencies Emphasizing new skills and behaviors required for creative innovation. From traditional skill sets to competencies focused on creativity and adaptability. Workforces may increasingly prioritize creativity and adaptability in hiring and training. The rapid evolution of global challenges necessitating innovative responses. 4
Art as a Transformational Tool Using art and creative practices to facilitate organizational transformation. From conventional problem-solving methods to employing art as a strategic tool for change. Organizations may regularly utilize artistic methods to inspire change and engagement. Recognition of the power of art in fostering emotional connections and inspiring action. 5

Concerns

name description relevancy
Resistance to Creative Approaches There may be a reluctance within the UN system to embrace creative practices, impacting innovation. 4
Inequality in Access to Creative Practices Not all practitioners may have equal access to the resources and training necessary to engage in creative practices, leading to disparities. 3
Overemphasis on Creativity at the Expense of Structure A focus on creativity might overshadow the need for established processes and governance, leading to chaos or inefficiency. 4
Generational Disconnect in Knowledge Sharing The initiative may struggle to effectively bridge generational gaps in knowledge and practice, limiting its impact. 3
Inadequate Evaluation Metrics New creative practices may lack appropriate evaluation metrics to assess their effectiveness, making it hard to demonstrate impact. 4
Challenges in Embracing Uncertainty Organizations may find it difficult to embrace uncertainty and complexity, hindering innovative practices. 5
Cultural Resistance to Art and Imagination Some stakeholders may view art and imagination as unprofessional or irrelevant, impeding their integration into serious work. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Embracing Creative Practice Organizations are increasingly adopting creative practices to foster innovation and transformation, acknowledging its importance in addressing complex challenges. 5
Integration of Art and Imagination There is a growing trend to integrate art and imagination into organizational practices to enhance engagement and innovation. 4
Navigating Uncertainty with Creativity Organizations are using creativity as a tool to navigate uncertainty and complexity in their operations and decision-making. 4
Intergenerational Knowledge Exchange There is a focus on bridging generational gaps through creative practices, facilitating knowledge transfer and collaboration. 3
Rethinking Competencies for Innovation Organizations are reassessing the competencies needed for innovation, prioritizing creativity and imaginative skills. 4
Experimental Approaches to Transformation Practitioners are encouraged to experiment with new methods and pilot projects to integrate creativity into their work processes. 5

Technologies

description relevancy src
Incorporating art and imagination into organizational processes to foster innovation and transformation. 4 0e4fa89385bf984d36c7b8a31fd670e7
Frameworks that outline the skills and behaviors necessary for creativity-driven innovation. 3 0e4fa89385bf984d36c7b8a31fd670e7
Strategies to connect different generations through creative practices for shared learning and innovation. 4 0e4fa89385bf984d36c7b8a31fd670e7
Approaches that encourage thinking beyond immediate challenges to create inclusive alternatives for the future. 5 0e4fa89385bf984d36c7b8a31fd670e7
Techniques that help organizations navigate complexity and uncertainty through creative methods. 4 0e4fa89385bf984d36c7b8a31fd670e7

Issues

name description relevancy
Creative Practice Integration Emphasizing the importance of integrating art and imagination into organizational practices for innovation. 4
Transformation through Imagination Utilizing collective imagination as a key driver for transformation in response to complex global challenges. 5
Competency Development for Creativity Developing new competencies that prioritize creativity and imagination in professional environments. 3
Engagement with Uncertainty Promoting creative practices to navigate uncertainty and complexity in decision-making. 4
Intergenerational Knowledge Exchange Fostering connections between different generations through creative practices to enhance knowledge sharing. 3
New Infrastructures for Future Work Building innovative infrastructures that support creativity and collaborative practices in organizations. 4