Exploring creativity and innovation in organizational contexts: A systematic review and bibliometric analysis of key models and emerging opportunities

Abstract

This paper explores the critical question of how to develop creativity for innovation within organizational contexts, identifying significant gaps in the existing literature. Through a rigorous systematic review and bibliometric analysis, the study examines the intersection of creativity and innovation, addressing three key questions: (1) What are the key models of creativity and innovation discussed in the literature, and how are they applied in organizational contexts? (2) How has recent literature on creativity and innovation evolved to support organizational practice and the development of new frameworks? (3) What gaps and opportunities have been identified in studies on creativity and innovation within organizational contexts, and how can these be addressed in future research? The systematic review resulted in the identification of 462 articles, of which 25 were selected as state-of-the-art based on their relevance and impact. These articles, along with their references, form the core of the bibliometric analysis, which maps the key models, trends, and knowledge gaps in the field. The study concludes that while there are solid theoretical models for understanding creativity and innovation, there is a substantial gap in the practical application of these models, particularly concerning microprocesses—small-scale interactions and behaviours within organizations that are essential for creative development. These microprocesses include specific forms of collaboration, information exchange, and problem-solving within creative teams, which are crucial for fostering creativity in organizational environments. In addition to mapping these gaps, the paper identifies significant opportunities for advancing research, suggesting that future studies focus on how to operationalize and develop these microprocesses to promote innovation more effectively. By highlighting these gaps and opportunities, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of how creativity can be cultivated and applied in organizational contexts, offering clear directions for future research aimed at translating theory into practice.