‘Creating Cultures of Innovation’ is a unique design intervention project that works with Scottish Industry to explore how creativity can be embedded as a collective skill within organisations. Supported by the Scottish Funding Council and in partnership with the Institute of Directors, The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) has been working collaboratively with organisations across key sectors in Scotland to establish how creative thinking and design process can be integrated into business in order to grow and secure future success.

This paper will discuss the process and outcomes thus far of a project conducted with Scott & Fyfe, exploring and explaining the methodology and approach. Through this action research case study, this paper will give a general insight into the overall ‘Creating Cultures of Innovation’ project and the ways in which it relates to organisational culture with regard to exploring design methods as a vehicle for effective use of employee core capabilities and enabling innovation within such organisations.

Keywords: Organisational Culture, Design Process, Effective Use of Skills, Leadership, Innovation, SMEs.