Creativity and Innovation among Gifted Saudi Students-An Empirical Study

AbstractNations prosperity in a dynamic global economy depends critically on the quality and quantity of knowledge, innovation and creativity skills generated and gained by their human assets. Creativity, innovation and quality systems are at the heart of successful strategies adopted by modern economies. In general terms they are meant for the creation and adoption of new knowledge to improve the value of products, processes, and services delivered to customers. The present study was carried out within a national research project funded by the ministry of education in Saudi Arabia, with the primary aim to enhance and to develop creativity and innovation among Saudi students at both school and university levels. The paper aims to assess creativity and innovation at the educational system from the perspective of its customers. From the literature review a theoretical research framework was developed and a survey questionnaire was designed for the purpose. Respondents were selected among gifted students who participated in the national competition on giftedness 2015 run by the ministry of education in the Hail region, north the kingdom. The survey was administered online using web 2.0 technologies. They were asked about their personal perceptions on creativity and innovation, their educational environments and programs, the support and management, and the future prospects the university would offer to them. Statistical analysis of the results will be presented and discussed. The study identifies practical recommendations towards the adoption of new strategies to enhance creativity and innovation among Saudi students