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Creativity and innovation are now often hailed as “the true wealth of nations in the twenty-first century” (UN 2024). While the dominant development paradigm continues to emphasize economic growth based on free markets, productivity and the division of labour, the focus has shifted to how these are pushed and redefined by creativity and innovation. This is evident in discourses on the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), which seem particularly appealing to emerging economies. The question is what this focus on innovation and creativity for development means for the daily lives of people in specific socio-economic contexts—and what it fails to see or do. Ethnographic studies have examined how the promises of creativity and innovation are, on the one hand tied up with aspirations for a good life, individual self-improvement and empowerment, and on the other hand, with imaginations of alternatives to capitalist growth (Lindtner 2020; Irani 2019). Against this background, we ask: Whose creativity is deemed valuable, and why? Who is involved in making innovations, and who are “Innovators’ Others” (Irani 2019)? What constitutes “creativity” and “innovation” in particular contexts, and upon what assumptions are these terms understood? What are the consequences of introducing innovative technologies, designs and ideas for individuals, communities, and the environment? For this 2-day workshop, we are interested in discussing examples of how creativity and innovation work on the ground in different parts of the world. We would like to invite scholars whose papers introduce conceptual thoughts and/or empirical views on actors, practices and discourses in innovation and creativity for development.
A title, short abstract (300 words) and short author bio can be submitted until January 19, 2025 to Nadja Kempter (nadja.kempter@uzh.ch).
Organizing Committee: Prof. Dr. Annuska Derks, Dr. Rivka Eisner, Dr. Esther Horat, Phuong Nguyen and Nadja Kempter.
