The Application of Process Thinking to Enable Artful Innovation in Manufacturing Firms

This paper combines results from two research projects applied to manufacturing innovation practice. The ALPINE (Action Learning Pilot for New Enterprises) funded by the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) identifies the benefits of inter-firm learning using methods such as Action Learning in developing more effective business and operational processes. Heightened awareness of the critical elements of business processes generate “Process thinking” through peer group challenge and reflective practice. The Creativity in Management Project funded by the South East Economic Development Agency (SEEDA) in partnership with CENTRIM and Arts and Business in the UK carried out before-and-after research into the impact of creative training and consultancy methods on innovative behavior of firms. The research concluded that creativity and innovation can be stimulated in a significant way by the use of creative and artistic intervention. The paper presents some of the case data from this project and combines the analysis with the conclusions from ALPINE that collaborative learning between firms is an effective enabler of innovation and helps develop heightened knowledge of process and product innovation needs and opportunities.