There are numerous definitions of innovation. It is understood in many different ways in scientific and professional discourses, not to mention the colloquial use and over-use of the term in business, media and politics. Similar exploitation applies to the term ‘creativity'. Globalization of knowledge, and the subsequent dissemination of concepts and best practices, are turning the working and learning cultures more innovative. On a European scale, competitiveness cannot be reached without competence development throughout the educational systems and working life. This requires a committed change towards passionate learning. We need and welcome a continuous debate over the concepts and the phenomena which link learning, ICT development and innovation.

There is no innovation without creativity and creativity will not be fully benefited unless the fruits of creative activities can also be spread and exploited through business and other societal interaction mechanisms. Therefore, putting these concepts together under the loop could create fertile juxtapositions and clashes which we would like to solicit in this special issue of eLearning Papers dedicated to "Creativity and Innovation". Particularly when addressing such an exciting polarity, we would not want to be restrictive in defining subthemes. Nevertheless the following might help to narrow down your foci:

1. Open innovation and learning
2. Creative coalitions redefining innovation systems in higher education and working life
3. Empowering peer networks in knowledge creation, sharing and exploitation
4. Towards true knowledge economies and increased productivity through networking and innovative working life practices
5. Different innovative learning concepts and practices
6. Sustainable innovation supported by conceptualized learning
7. Global value networks and technology enhanced learning

More information: http://www.elearningpapers.eu/index.php?page=fix&id=13

The deadline for article submissions is January 12, 2009.
For further information and to submit your article, please contact: editorial@elearningeuropa.info  

Guest Editor: Markku Markkula, Director of the Lifelong Learning Institute Dipoli at the Helsinki University of Technology