How can we encourage a culture of innovation in a community?
It takes more than good ideas—it’s about creating the right environment so those ideas can take root, grow, and turn into meaningful collective actions. For innovation to last, it must be connected to the place, the knowledge of local people, and the lives they lead. It must touch people emotionally—because without a sense of belonging, true change doesn’t happen.
Participatory management plays a key role. As Tenório (1998) points out, it means involving everyone from planning to evaluation, encouraging shared responsibility and openness. Elinor Ostrom (2012) also reminds us of the value of collaborative governance and collective care of shared resources. In this setting, establishing an Innovation Department helps give structure and long-term support to these efforts.
Practical ways to grow a culture of innovation
Listening and participatory management:
- Set up an Innovation Department.
- Create open spaces for dialogue and listening (e.g., talking circles, cultural cafés).
- Use participatory practices in every step of the process.
- Involve different age groups and communities from the beginning.
Creativity and collaborative methods:
- See creativity as a shared journey that welcomes mistakes and learning together.
- Support co-creation through workshops, testing, and hands-on activities.
- Apply tools like design thinking, empathy maps, and sensory experiences.
Technology and sustainability:
Use simple digital tools (Padlet, Miro, Trello) for documenting and tracking progress.
Map local knowledge and resources with visual and emotional methods.
Celebrate what’s been achieved and learned together.
Use feedback circles, experience logs, and journals to reflect and improve
Building a culture of innovation takes thoughtful planning and institutional backing. But at its heart, it’s a shared process of imagining, belonging, and shaping possible futures. These efforts also help protect intangible cultural heritage by honoring living knowledge and collective creativity.