CAL4INO proposes to investigate the role of creative learning activities to enhance innovation using as its frame of reference that people as teams, not lone “geniuses”, develop meaningful innovations by blending design, technology and business through creative activities synthesizing diverse perspectives, experiences and skills. In contrast to previous research, CAL4INO uses an interdisciplinary systems approach to identify specific conditions and factors that enable, or inhibit, creative innovation considering socio-cultural dimensions and human aspects across multiple sectors and industries. Existing evidence on entrepreneurial learning and enterprise will be extended to more universal creative learning for innovation at technical, social and institutional levels.

This study focuses on universities and their pivotal role in the modern “knowledge society” (Lisbon Strategy) as clusters and ecosystems for fostering creativity and innovation. Targeted near-term beneficiaries are post-graduate professionals and faculty with broader long term impact. The consortium consists of 6 HEIs (prestigious research universities to smaller regional HEIs), 2 associations and 1 publishing company.