Leagan Gaeilge   Text Version   Display: Zoom (-) (+)   View ( Normal High contrast ) Printer Friendly  A to Z  Sitemap

"Culture as a Critical Ingredient in Innovation"

Prof. Finbarr Bradley

TITLE
Culture as a Critical Ingredient in Innovation

ABSTRACT
In a globalised world, rootedness is often regarded as antithetical to creativity and innovation. However, a clear emerging paradox is that in a world of interlinked global markets, rapid transportation, and high-speed communications, location and culture are becoming more rather than less important. Meaning emerges from rootedness founded on memory and belonging. Far from representing dead artefacts that are anti-modern and non-economic, culture provides an ideal base for creativity and innovation. People grounded in their own culture appreciate diversity and the cultural values of others with whom they must co-operate.
This helps generate an innovative mind frame. Ireland’s innovative capabilities and self-reliance therefore depend on a strong cultural base. Culture, rooted in place and fostered by a forward-looking public policy, could lead to an Ireland self-reliant if not self-sufficient, utterly unique while eminently cosmopolitan, well positioned to compete in the turbulent global economy. Its implications for teaching and learning in the modern university will be discussed.

Website: www.intinn.ie

This keynote talk was given by Prof. Finbarr Bradley at the 8th Annual Galway Symposium on Higher Education, 11th June 2010. The conference title was "Creative Thinking: Re-imagining the University"

<<Back to all public webcasts