The 6E Framework for Innovation Management: Turning Creativity Theory into Practice

Abstract

In this era of rapid change and high competitiveness, innovation is an essential factor for organisational sustainability, resilience, and competitive advantage. Despite an abundance of innovation models, most overlook the necessary contextual and psychological factors to create a holistic and sustainable innovation ecosystem. This article proposes a new framework, "The 6E for Innovation Management", that integrates psychological theories of creativity with institutional mechanisms for innovation. The "6E for Innovation" framework is based on established theories of creativity and is supported by qualitative data from interviews with employees in over 20 organisations in Saudi Arabia. The 6E Framework for Innovation Management outlines six interdependent components in a practical, flexible model. The Employee lies at the centre and emphasises the primacy of people; Enactment focuses on policies and strategies; Environment represents the conditions of the workplace; Expression represents the articulation of creative ideas; Evaluation values the ideas expressed; and Execution implements the ideas with ongoing enhancement.