From Sunday 15 to Saturday 21 April 2018, the University of Malta’s Edward de Bono Institute collaborated with various entities to celebrate World Creativity and Innovation Week (WCIW). This initiative was first launched in 2001 and is now celebrated in an ever-growing number of countries with the aim of inspiring new thinking and fostering a culture for creativity and innovation. The United Nations resolved to include World Creativity and Innovation Day, April 21, as a Day of Observance to encourage people to use creativity in problem-solving for all issues related to achieving the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals.
The local effort was aimed at raising awareness about the need for creativity and innovation across different strata in society. Events varied in form and content. From formal boardrooms to a lovely outdoor venue, staff and students at the Edward de Bono Institute within the University of Malta engaged participants in enticing ways.
Ernst & Young (Malta) and Speedcast, a global organization with offices in St. Venera, provided the opportunity to their employees to learn and practice aspects of creative thinking. In collaboration with Malta Mumpreneurs Network, a session was held for a group of mothers who would like to set up their own venture. In this instance, participants were introduced to ways in which they may take into consideration potential business opportunities. On another occasion, artistic creativity was celebrated through an event entitled Artists Unite for Animal Shelters, organised by Star Events and held at Chateau Buskett.
WCIW Celebrations also took place for students enrolled on courses provided by the Edward de Bono Institute. A workshop organised by BRND WGN for Master in Creativity and Innovation students provided them with insight into the realm of marketing through a variety of creative activities. A panel discussion entitled Transitions was held on Campus and was open to all students of the University of Malta. Ms Davinia Mallia Pule of NGAGE – Marketing- PR- Events and Buzymummy.com, Ms Saz Mifsud of Saz Mifsud Design House and Mr Kurt Mifsud founder of the Mediterranean Culinary Academy were invited to speak to students about their experiences in seizing business opportunities. The three speakers where engaging and inspirational, enticing students to dream and look for opportunities while listening to their instincts.
The week’s programme of events was concluded with the launch of the CREMO Academy for Creativity e-platform, which was the result of work carried out through an ERASMUS+ project. The e-platform is intended to develop students’ understanding of creativity and help them to become more creative in the process.
These events enabled further outreach by the Edward de Bono Institute for the Design and Development of Thinking. The Institute currently offers a Diploma in Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (part-time evening), a Master Programme (full-time and part-time) and Ph.D. Programme (full-time and part-time). For further information, please visit www.um.edu.mt/create or email instituteofthinking@um.edu.mt.