Contexts R+D recognizes that new ideas emerge from, and are valued within, traditions. We do not pit innovation against tradition, but consider how the two work together, using some basic principles:

• There is not one-size-fits-all trick to promoting creativity. We have general ways to examine creative contexts, but each situation is unique.
  
  
• A sense of the possible is a critical aspect of any creative context. Each culture, community, organization or classroom develops ways to integrate new ideas, and over time each has varying levels of anxiety and curiosity about difference.
  
  
• Existing ideas and practices are critical resources. New approaches are often developing within the system, but are unrecognized or undervalued. Individuals and subgroups are often key to generating new ideas and effecting change.