Tags: creativity, economics, innovation

Economic downturns give rise to great creativity. It’s logical that periods of economic or social restriction create an environment where people seek to break free and challenge the perceived ‘rules’ that have governed their behaviour. At that moment of breakthrough taboos are redefined and revolutionary thinking may capture a zeitgeist. The political and racial revolutions of the sixties or punk rock in the seventies captured moments that delivered fundamental change within society.

The downturn of 2008 provides a prime opportunity for such change, but where is it? Events in Athens show that when the implications of austerity bite we don’t just sit back and take it. But rioting isn’t a social movement, it’s a protest. So let’s hope our new social movement is built on the positive lessons of the downturn and seeks to solve issues rather than broadcast them. Some brands are out there trying to do their bit; they’re being visionary, they’re reinventing, they’re renewing. Others seemingly want to bury their heads in the sand and wish their way back to better times.

Guess who’ll rock this recession?