
6 Types of Creativity in Entrepreneurship outlined in this article play a pivotal role in accelerating innovation, fueling competition, and helping businesses capture attention in competitive industries. Creativity includes the ability to develop new ideas and alter existing processes or products. This could be anything from minor incremental changes to radical, disruptive innovations.
For startup entrepreneurs, particularly those seeking to make their mark in Canada, grasping these distinct forms of creativity is essential for establishing a successful business in today’s market teeming with creative entrepreneurs.
6 Types of Creativity in Entrepreneurship
1. Evolutionary Creativity
Evolutionary creativity focuses on making small improvements to a service or product already available in the market or changing the business model a little bit. Most successful startups begin this way by enhancing what already exists. Shopify, an e-commerce platform based in Canada, is a perfect example of such a business. The company did not create online retail but made it simple for small businesses to set up their e-commerce websites. Shopify has consistently improved its service over the years, integrating payment gateways and offering AI-powered analytic tools, which helped it become a leader in the global market.
2. Revolutionary Creativity
Radical change comes in the form of new ideas that disrupt an industry and transform consumer behaviour. A good example is a Toronto-based fintech company that changed the way Canadians invest. Wealthsimple lowered the barrier to entry for investing and significantly reduced fees compared to traditional financial advisors. By harnessing modern technology, the firm has redefined how Canadians grow and manage their investment portfolios.
3. Combinatorial Creativity
Combinatorial creativity exists when different industries or technologies are fused together in order to create something new. This type of creativity tends to lead to amazing breakthroughs and innovations by combining pre-existing ideas in novel ways. A perfect example is Canada’s Clearco (formerly Clearbanc). The company transformed how startups get funded by integrating fintech and artificial intelligence into venture capital, creating a new model known as revenue-based financing. Clearco has changed the narrative of how new businesses obtain funds and grow by using technology to merge unconventional investment approaches.
4. Imitative Creativity
This form of creativity deals with adapting successful concepts from other industries or locations to a different context. SkipTheDishes, a Canadian food delivery service, used this concept when it first entered Canadian markets while GrubHub was developing in the US. Similarly, Tim Hortons took the American donut-and-coffee chain concept and tailored it to Canadian culture. Both saw a successful new idea and adapted it to a fresh market, creating new demand.
5. Incubative Creativity
This type of creativity requires extensive time, effort, and reflection and can culminate in innovative ideas after prolonged incubation. One of the most prominent examples is Squamish-based Carbon Engineering. The company had to spend years developing and perfecting their technology for the direct air capture of CO₂, which is now an essential component in climate tech. Their example showcases how enduring technological innovation enables outstanding results.
6. Accidental Creativity
Innovation can occur in the most unusual and surprising places. It is often a business idea that arises from an accident or an unplanned discovery, like the well-known example of Post-it notes arising from failed attempts to invent a strong adhesive. Ontario company Blackberry was one of the first companies to manufacture smartphones, but that only happened by unexpectedly pivoting from a wireless data technology project. IMAX was first designed as a museum installation before becoming the worldwide film tech we now all know.
Creativity in Action: Building a Business in Canada
Entrepreneurs willing to start their businesses in Canada can take advantage of these different types of creativity. Whether it is idea polishing, industry disruption, or concept blending, creativity is essential.
Are you willing to utilise your creativity and expand your startup in one of the most entrepreneur-friendly countries? Startup Visa Services offers vital guidance for entrepreneurs looking to relocate and/or expand their businesses to Canada. SVS assists foreign clients in immigrating to Canada for business purposes by providing valuable advice on company incorporation and startup incubation.
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