The Age of Creativity

Severe ear infections rendered three-year-old Scott Barry Kaufman nearly deaf. As a result, he needed a few extra seconds to process things in real time, which landed him in a special education classroom. Despite his drive for more intellectual challenges, he was constantly held back by his label and low expectations from teachers. Inspired by his personal experience, and supported by his research on the development of intelligence and creativity, Kaufman encourages us — and specifically educators, school psychologists, parents, and caregivers — to move towards a culture of inspiration, in which we inspire all children to bring out the best in themselves. It's time to focus on a practical approach to individual needs that enables students to unlock their potential and reach their intellectual, creative, and personal goals, at school and beyond. Scott Barry Kaufman

Nancy Andreasen is a leading neuroscientist and psychiatrist at the University of Iowa whose fascinating research into the creative mind has been informed in part by the stream of remarkable writers who gather there. She is now conducting a study that uses neuroimaging to visualize the creative brain in action, examining both artists and scientists. Her work also examines the roles of nature v. nurture and the relationship between creativity and mental illness.

Three experts present their research and insights, with a discussion. Mark Beeman, Rex Jung, Scott Barry Kaufman

Who will inspire economic success in the next decade? Those who covet raw creativity and draw from the arts, suggests John Maeda, former leader Rhode Island School of Design and newly minted design principle at a VC firm. He shares his views about why Design, with a capitol D, is more important than “just good technology.” Ten years from now, will our collective creativity propel us forward? John Maeda, David Kirkpatrick

Nancy Andreasen is a leading neuroscientist and psychiatrist at the University of Iowa whose fascinating research into the creative mind has been informed in part by the stream of remarkable writers who gather there. She is now conducting a study that uses neuroimaging to visualize the creative brain in action, examining both artists and scientists. Her work also examines the roles of nature v. nurture and the relationship between creativity and mental illness.

The creator of "House of Cards" discusses the future of television and movies with legendary entertainment industry leader Michael Eisner. Speakers: Beau Willimon, Michael Eisner

Does creativity abide within a “type” of thinker? No. IDEO founder Tom Kelley and his brother David, argue that each and every one of us is creative. They offer both principles and strategies by which we can successfully tap our creative instincts regardless of the type of problem we are solving or goal we drive towards. Fred Dust, design principle at IDEO, interviews Tom. Tom Kelley, Fred Dust

Three experts present their research and insights, with a discussion. Mark Beeman, Rex Jung, Scott Barry Kaufman

Who will inspire economic success in the next decade? Those that covet raw creativity and draw from the arts, suggests John Maeda, former leader Rhode Island School of Design and newly minted design principle at a VC firm. He shares his views about why Design, with a capitol D, is more important than “just good technology.” Ten years from now, will our collective creativity propel us forward? John Maeda, David Kirkpatrick

The creative mind is spectacularly diverse. What drives the creative process in folks whom we deem “creative”? Robert McDuffie, Richard Olcott, Janet Echelman, Anna Deavere Smith, Julie Taymor, Janna Levin

Does creativity abide within a “type” of thinker? No. IDEO founder Tom Kelley and his brother David, argue that each and every one of us is creative. They offer both principles and strategies by which we can successfully tap our creative instincts regardless of the type of problem we are solving or goal we drive towards. Fred Dust, design principle at IDEO, interviews Tom. Tom Kelley, Fred Dust