Creative Knowledge Environments

Abstract

The extent to which an individual’s (or a group’s) creative potential is expressed depends considerably on the environment in which that individual (or group) works. To understand scientific and technological creativity, one needs to analyze the interactions between individuals or groups and their environment. We put forward the concept of a creative knowledge environment (CKE) to examine the environmental influences on individual and group creativity.After reviewing the research literature relevant to creativity using the CKE framework, we identify themain influences promoting creativity at different levels of organization. The framework provides suggestions as to how best to stimulate CKEs to be more creative. The article concludes by identifying issues where further research is needed.