Creativity and Leadership in Science Technology and Innovation

<p>Leadership is vital to creativity and successful innovation in groups and organizations; leadership is however seldom studied in the academic literature as a creativity driver. One reason for the lack of attention paid to leadership’s effect on creativity may be the common belief that creativity cannot and should not be managed. Creative individuals and groups are regarded as and indeed often are autonomous and self-driving. From this belief the erroneous conclusion is drawn that there is no need for leadership in creative environments and situations. The better conclusion proposed by this book is that leadership not only stimulates creativity but that such a leadership in the science technology and innovation fields should specifically possess at least two features: a) expertise in the field(s) and b) an ability to create support and encourage individuals groups and creative knowledge environments. </p><p>A number of specialist authors in this volume offer original theoretical empirical and applied chapters that elucidate how to better organize and lead creative efforts in science technology and innovation. A number of important research questions are raised and answered including: What kinds of leaderships are needed at different levels of S&T organizations for a creative output? What social and cognitive abilities and skills are needed for leadership in creative environments? How does leadership vary with different phases of the creative process? This book offers concrete analysis of how leaders and managers can facilitate promote and organize for creative performance in science technology and in innovating organizations making it required reading for academic and industrial research leaders scientists and engineers.</p>