Encouraging Creativity, Innovation For National Development

Encouraging Creativity, Innovation For National Development

There may be no universal understanding of creativity as the concept is open to interpretation from artistic expression to problem solving in the context of economic, social and sustainable development.

Creativity therefore, is an evolving concept which builds on the interplay between human creativity, ideas, intellectual property, knowledge and technology.

Essentially, it is knowledge based economic activities upon which the creative industries are based.

Creativity industries include audiovisual products, design, new media, performing arts, publishing and visual arts.

These are highly transformative sectors of the global economy in terms of income generation, job creation and export earnings.

Innovation and creativity are also linked to culture which is an essential component of sustainable development and represents a source of identity for an individual and community.

At the same time, creativity and culture have a significant non monetary value that contributes to inclusive social development.

The creative industries today are among the most dynamic areas in the world economy for the developing countries to spring into emerging high growth areas of the world economy.

It was for this reason that the United Nations in 2017, designated 21st April of every year as World creativity and innovation day to raise awareness of the role of creativity and innovation in all aspects of human development.

This week Sunday 21st April, is therefore a great opportunity to celebrate the power of innovation and creativity and to explore how innovations support the drive to building a better future.

This theme for this year’s celebration is “Step out and Innovate”.

It is a reminder that innovation and creativity can harness economic growth and job creation, while expanding opportunities for everyone.

Innovation and creativity can also provide solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in the global economy such as poverty eradication, elimination of hunger and provision of health care services.

It is also a pointer to the fact that in the twenty first century, human creativity and innovation both at individual and group levels have become the true wealth of nations.

As Nigeria joins the international community to mark the day, it is important to realise that in today’s global economy, innovation and creativity have growing importance and formed a critical element of the nation’s economy.

Therefore, government’s efforts in promoting innovation and creativity must be re-doubled.

The government at all levels must sustain efforts in tapping the creative and innovative abilities of young Nigerian men and women by helping them to find out how intellectual property rights can support their goals, help transform their ideas into reality, generate income, create jobs, and make positive impact on the world around them.

In this regard, it is recommended that all tertiary institutions and vocational training centres in the country should evolve deliberate policies like promoting a “National Investors Hall of Fame” in all the training centres as part of the purpose of advancing the spirit of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship throughout the country.

It is high time that government institutions and organisations, private sector organisations as well as the-well-do individuals should make it a culture of building a system that encourages young people, students, and women to constantly innovate using their imaginative capacity and be given time-tested commitment that any fresh ideas or improvement on existing operations or facilities will be supported for transition into the reality.

This will result in huge benefit to the creators and innovators themselves and create wealth and prosperity for the nation at large.

By Joseph Agi, Edited By Grace Namiji