Abstract

Creativity is a key resource in research projects where uncertainty is high and working methods and outcomes are only loosely defined. Project management has to ensure that it encourages, channels and manages creativity, while, at the same time, optimises the typical constraints of resources, time and scope. This can only be successfully done if emphasis is put on understanding the core of any creative project: the occurrence and nature of creativity. This paper documents an exploratory case study which analyses how creative work is distributed along various project phases and how it can be characterised and attributed. Two types of creativity within research projects have been identified: Creativity of the technical project lead to create and manage the project vision and creativity of the subject matter experts to generate research results. An understanding of their differences and implications helps project managers in the definition of a suitable management approach for research projects.

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