Leading Innovation in Arts and Culture from Coursera

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Syllabus

Context of Innovation

We are in creative fields, so this stuff should be easy, right? But we hear all the time from people in the field that it really isn't. Conversations keep circling the same old ideas, while exciting possibilities languish. Our first module introduces the course by examining the context within which innovation takes place. We start by exploring the question of why innovation fails. The proposition is that it is more effective (and probably easier) to stop stopping innovation, than it is to get better at it. We'll look at a 6-level framework for understanding innovation constraints. Your goal is to gain a high-level overview of the course content.

Individual Level Constraints

Our second week starts our in-depth examination of the framework at the individual level. Everyone in arts and culture is creative, right? Well, probably more creative - or more comfortable with creativity - than the average person. But people in arts and culture also understand better than the average person that creativity is a process, and you can get better at that process. In our model of individual constraints we will look carefully at Perception Constraints, which are failures to gain access to new and relevant information; Intellection Constraints, which are failures in thinking strategies to expose new insights and relationships; and finally, Expression Constraints which represent failures in our ability to express or articulate our ideas in ways that allow us to test our thinking or convey them to others. Our goals this week are 1) to diagnose our susceptibility to these constraints, 2) to develop strategies for overcoming them, and 3) to recognize how others may experience these constraints as we share our ideas with them.

Group Constraints

The lone genius hard at work in her garret is, we know, not exactly how the world of art and culture really works. This week's topic is Group Innovation Constraints and is grounded in the research and insights of the field of social psychology. We will be exploring the way that group dynamics affect the problem of innovation. Our basic premise is that in order to move from a creative idea to an innovation, you will need the cooperation and collaboration of others. We will take critical looks at emotion processing in groups, at group cultural norms, at group processes, and even at the environments within which groups function.

Organizational Constraints

This week's topic is Organizational Innovation Constraints. We are interested in understanding how organizations function in ways that can facilitate or constrain innovation in terms of their Strategy, Structure, or their Resources. This perspective is grounded in the idea that to develop and execute an innovative idea, you are going to need some form of organization, and the choices you make in terms of its functioning are consequential to its ability to innovate.

Industry / Sector Constraints

This week's topic is Industry/Sector Innovation Constraints. We are interested in understanding how the dynamics in a sector will facilitate or constrain innovation. We start with the story of Kodak's invention of the digital camera, trying to understand why they were unable to be successful at commercializing it. While there are some organizational innovation constraints that apply, we'll see that taking the perspective of economics and strategy, looking at competition constraints, supplier constraints, and market constraints, can provide a much more powerful analysis and explanation. We end with a brief overview of the "Disruptive Technology" (aka Innovator's Dilemma) work of C. Christensen, showing it's place within and consistency with the innovation constraints framework.

Societal Constraints

This week's session explores the perspective of the sociologist and anthropologist. People who adopt this view argue that innovation is likely to be constrained by (1) the views that a society holds of itself, (2) how it enforces those views, and (3) the history by which it came to hold and share those views. In more basic terms, this view suggests that innovation will fail when a society does not see how a proposition for change can make it become more of what it wants to be. Society will oppose changes that are antithetical to the ideals that it holds for itself. This constraint should feel familiar to arts and culture, where so much work challenges how we as individuals, groups and societies see and understand ourselves and our world. As in other sessions, in addition to the watching the lectures, you are asked to do the diagnostic survey and reflection essay, and participate in the forum discussions. As an additional exercise (All Students), this week will also require you to analyze a case study.

Technological Constraints

This week takes the perspective on innovation of the scientist and engineer. This view holds that innovation is constrained by the laws of nature and our ability to manipulate them. It focuses on the physical limits we hit when we try to do things like improve acoustics, present light-sensitive artifacts in an engaging and immediate way, or bring together thousands of people in one place for a festival. We will develop a model of these "technological constraints" by understanding the roles of 1) our knowledge of physics, chemistry and biology, 2) the nature of time and sequencing, and 3) the natural environment and ecology that form the context for our innovation. The perspective is that innovation will fail when the proposed change does not function or functions in unanticipated ways.

Leading an Innovation Strategy

Our final week takes on the problem of innovating as if it really mattered. We start with the story of Apollo 13, a life-or-death situation that required intense creative problem-solving, and consider the leadership behaviors that made successful innovation possible. Next, since our focus so far has been on improving our own ability to innovate, we discuss how to use the innovation constraint model to drive adoption by those people who are the targets of our change. We then revisit the question of process, and look at the role of the leader during each phase of a team's innovation journey. Moving to the organization-level of analysis we explore innovation portfolios and their ability to help us manage risk. Finally, by way of conclusion in the course, we talk about the nature of YOUR constraints and the ways that you can continue to identify them and find ways to work around them.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Goes deep into the conditions and constraints of innovation, providing a robust framework for learners

Offers a detailed look at individual constraints, helping learners build strategies for overcoming them

Covers industry/sector constraints, providing valuable insights for navigating innovation within a specific context

Emphasizes the importance of examining societal constraints, fostering awareness of cultural and societal factors influencing innovation

Focuses on helping learners understand the role of the leader in fostering innovation, including strategies for driving adoption

Taught by professors David A. Owens, PhD, PE and Jim Rosenberg, both respected researchers in leading and fostering innovation

Reviews summary

Arts and culture innovation

According to students, this course has engaging assignments, a supportive instructor, and flexible deadlines. Learners say that they thoroughly enjoyed this course and recommend it to others.

Instructor was encouraging and provided helpful feedback.

"The professor made this class great"

"The instructor was super helpful and always responded quickly to questions."

Instructors made the material fun and interesting.

"Loved loved love this course!"

"This course truly opened my eyes."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Leading Innovation in Arts and Culture with these activities:

Review Basic Project Management Skills

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You will need to be able to manage projects to successfully implement your innovation strategy.

Browse courses on Project Management

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Review the key steps of project planning and execution.
Identify tools and techniques for managing projects.

Explore Case Studies of Successful Innovation

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Learning from the successes and failures of others can help you develop your own innovation strategies.

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Identify a few case studies of successful innovation in your field.
Analyze the factors that contributed to their success.
Consider how you can apply the lessons learned to your own organization or industry.

Form a Peer Study Group

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Discussing course material with peers can help you understand concepts more deeply.

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Identify a few classmates who are also interested in innovation.
Schedule regular study sessions to discuss course readings and assignments.
Take turns leading the discussion and sharing your insights.

Four other activities

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Practice Identifying Innovation Constraints

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This course introduces a framework for understanding and overcoming innovation constraints.

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Review the six levels of the innovation constraints framework.
Identify specific examples of each type of constraint.
Practice applying the framework to real-world situations.

Review 'The Innovator's Dilemma'

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This book's discussion of disruptive technologies is directly relevant to the industry/sector constraints module, which explores the failure of large organizations to innovate.

View The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books) on Amazon

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Summarize the main argument of Christensen's framework, including the concept of disruptive technologies.
Identify a real-world example of a disruptive technology and explain how it fits Christensen's model.
Consider how the framework can be applied to your own organization or industry.

Attend an Innovation Conference

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Networking with other professionals can expose you to new ideas and perspectives.

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Research upcoming innovation conferences in your field.
Identify keynote speakers and sessions that are relevant to your interests.
Attend the conference and actively participate in sessions.
Network with other attendees and exchange ideas.

Develop a Personal Innovation Strategy

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This course focuses on the importance of creating an organizational innovation strategy. This activity will allow you to apply the material to your personal and professional life.

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Analyze your current strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for innovation.
Set specific innovation goals and objectives.
Identify potential roadblocks and develop strategies to overcome them.
Create a plan for implementing your innovation strategy.

Career center

Learners who complete Leading Innovation in Arts and Culture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Arts Administrator

Arts Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of arts organizations, such as theaters, museums, and music venues. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including budgeting, fundraising, marketing, and audience development. This course would be particularly helpful for Arts Administrators who are looking to develop their skills in innovation and strategic planning. The course would help them to understand the different constraints on innovation in the arts sector and develop strategies for overcoming them. It would also help them to create a culture of innovation within their organizations and to develop a strong customer focus.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators are responsible for planning and managing exhibitions, as well as acquiring, preserving, and interpreting museum collections. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including artists, collectors, and the public. This course would be particularly helpful for Museum Curators who are looking to develop their skills in innovation and audience engagement. The course would help them to understand the different constraints on innovation in the museum sector and develop strategies for overcoming them. It would also help them to create a culture of innovation within their museums and to develop a strong customer focus.

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Program Director

Program Directors are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating arts programs. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including artists, educators, and the community. This course would be particularly helpful for Program Directors who are looking to develop their skills in innovation and community engagement. The course would help them to understand the different constraints on innovation in the arts sector and develop strategies for overcoming them. It would also help them to create a culture of innovation within their programs and to develop a strong customer focus.

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Executive Director

Executive Directors are responsible for the overall management of arts organizations. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including the board of directors, staff, artists, and the community. This course would be particularly helpful for Executive Directors who are looking to develop their skills in innovation and strategic planning. The course would help them to understand the different constraints on innovation in the arts sector and develop strategies for overcoming them. It would also help them to create a culture of innovation within their organizations and to develop a strong customer focus.

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Cultural Policy Analyst

Cultural Policy Analysts develop and implement policies that support the arts and culture sector. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, arts organizations, and the public. This course would be particularly helpful for Cultural Policy Analysts who are looking to develop their skills in innovation and policy analysis. The course would help them to understand the different constraints on innovation in the arts sector and develop strategies for overcoming them. It would also help them to create a culture of innovation within their organizations and to develop a strong customer focus.

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Arts Educator

Arts Educators teach arts courses in schools, community centers, and other settings. They work with a variety of students, from young children to adults. This course would be particularly helpful for Arts Educators who are looking to develop their skills in innovation and curriculum development. The course would help them to understand the different constraints on innovation in the arts sector and develop strategies for overcoming them. It would also help them to create a culture of innovation within their classrooms and to develop a strong customer focus.

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Grant Writer

Grant Writers write grant proposals to secure funding for arts organizations. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including arts organizations, funders, and the community. This course would be particularly helpful for Grant Writers who are looking to develop their skills in innovation and fundraising. The course would help them to understand the different constraints on innovation in the arts sector and develop strategies for overcoming them. It would also help them to create a culture of innovation within their organizations and to develop a strong customer focus.

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Arts Marketing Manager

Arts Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns for arts organizations. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including arts organizations, the media, and the public. This course would be particularly helpful for Arts Marketing Managers who are looking to develop their skills in innovation and marketing. The course would help them to understand the different constraints on innovation in the arts sector and develop strategies for overcoming them. It would also help them to create a culture of innovation within their organizations and to develop a strong customer focus.

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Arts Consultant

Arts Consultants provide consulting services to arts organizations. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including arts organizations, funders, and the community. This course would be particularly helpful for Arts Consultants who are looking to develop their skills in innovation and strategic planning. The course would help them to understand the different constraints on innovation in the arts sector and develop strategies for overcoming them. It would also help them to create a culture of innovation within their organizations and to develop a strong customer focus.

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Arts Researcher

Arts Researchers conduct research on the arts and culture sector. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including arts organizations, funders, and the public. This course would be particularly helpful for Arts Researchers who are looking to develop their skills in innovation and research methods. The course would help them to understand the different constraints on innovation in the arts sector and develop strategies for overcoming them. It would also help them to create a culture of innovation within their organizations and to develop a strong customer focus.

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Arts Advocate

Arts Advocates promote the arts and culture sector. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including arts organizations, the media, and the public. This course would be particularly helpful for Arts Advocates who are looking to develop their skills in innovation and advocacy. The course would help them to understand the different constraints on innovation in the arts sector and develop strategies for overcoming them. It would also help them to create a culture of innovation within their organizations and to develop a strong customer focus.

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Arts Entrepreneur

Arts Entrepreneurs start and run their own arts businesses. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including artists, investors, and the public. This course would be particularly helpful for Arts Entrepreneurs who are looking to develop their skills in innovation and entrepreneurship. The course would help them to understand the different constraints on innovation in the arts sector and develop strategies for overcoming them. It would also help them to create a culture of innovation within their organizations and to develop a strong customer focus.

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Arts Funder

Arts Funders provide financial support to arts organizations. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including arts organizations, donors, and the public. This course would be particularly helpful for Arts Funders who are looking to develop their skills in innovation and philanthropy. The course would help them to understand the different constraints on innovation in the arts sector and develop strategies for overcoming them. It would also help them to create a culture of innovation within their organizations and to develop a strong customer focus.

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Arts Journalist

Arts Journalists write about the arts and culture sector for a variety of publications. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including arts organizations, the media, and the public. This course may be helpful for Arts Journalists who are looking to develop their skills in innovation and writing. The course would help them to understand the different constraints on innovation in the arts sector and develop strategies for overcoming them. It would also help them to create a culture of innovation within their organizations and to develop a strong customer focus.

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Arts Librarian

Arts Librarians manage and provide access to collections of arts-related materials. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including artists, researchers, and the public. This course may be helpful for Arts Librarians who are looking to develop their skills in innovation and information management. The course would help them to understand the different constraints on innovation in the arts sector and develop strategies for overcoming them. It would also help them to create a culture of innovation within their organizations and to develop a strong customer focus.

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