Can creativity really change the world? We may not be able to fully answer that question, but we know for sure that creativity is the gateway to self-expression and innovation; and historical changes prove us right.
Creativity, and innovative thinking, has helped us finding solutions and taking unexplored paths to solve challenges. We might go the extra mile and say that creative power connects disparate ideas, envisions novel solutions, and adapts to unforeseen circumstances. As Edward De Bono, the first who talked about lateral thinking, once stated: “Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns.”
Beyond its direct problem-solving capacity and innovation booster, creativity can also act as a powerful spillover for local development, generating new industries, attracting talent, and fostering vibrant communities that thrive on innovation and cultural richness.
“Creativity as a Key to Face Contemporary Challenges” is not just the title of this article, but also the synthesis of a vision that the CROP (Creativity Rises Opportunity for Partnerships) project has cultivated and promoted over the past 2 years. CROP has demonstrated how cross-sectoral collaboration, the valorisation of creative thinking, and interdisciplinary cooperation can unlock new opportunities and generate positive impacts within communities. By developing transversal skills and building strong networks, the project has provided concrete tools to transform challenges into catalysts for innovation.
Join Us in Porto!
We’re thrilled to announce that this vision will culminate in the Final Conference of the CROP Project and the PICC- European Specialization Course in Creativity and Innovation. The conference, aptly titled “Creativity as a Driver to Face Contemporary Challenges,” will take place on September 4th and 5th at the University of Porto.
The event represents a unique opportunity to share acquired knowledge, present the results of the CROP project and the PICC course, and foster dialogue among experts, professionals, and young talents. It will be two days dedicated to exploring how creativity can be a driving force for change, a lever for sustainable development, and an essential tool for building a more resilient and innovative future.
Full details on how to participate, both in person and online, will be available very soon. Keep an eye on our channels for updates!
We look forward to welcoming you to Porto to collectively celebrate the transformative power of creativity!