Understanding the Processes of Online Creative Interaction – Toward a Research Agenda

There is currently a strong belief in Information and Communication Technologies’ (ICT) ability to enable innovation. However, there is little knowledge about the creative processes that may occur through the mediation of ICT and consequently lead to innovation. Prior studies have shown that creativity is central when studying innovation and that creativity can be seen as a social process. Since computers often are used as mediators for human communication and as a social tool, ICT harbors a potential to enable the social processes of creative interaction. The aim of this paper is therefore to map key concepts and research that relate to online creative interactions. Hence, prior research in the IS field regarding creativity is presented, the concepts of computer-mediated communication and creativity are explored and a possible case to study is suggested. Subsequently, a research agenda is outlined, followed by some methodological considerations and a reflection on the expected knowledge contribution of the research.