Art Thinking: Prof. Sylvain Bureau on his revolutionary methodology for creative problem solving

In this episode of ESCP Edge, Professor Sylvain Bureau presents Art Thinking—a bold methodology helping organisations and individuals unlock innovation when traditional tools fall short.

As conventional methods struggle to inspire innovative ideas in our fast-changing world, Sylvain Bureau, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Scientific Director of the Improbable Chair with Galeries Lafayette within the ESCP Innovation & Entrepreneurial Transformation Institute, has developed a process known as Art Thinking that empowers organisations and individuals to unlock innovation in uncertain times.

Rethinking how we solve problems

“Art thinking is a method that I have developed, with different colleagues, to help you create something improbable, and to challenge the way things are,” shares Bureau.

Art Thinking is designed for situations where usual methods no longer yield results. If your current context isn’t working and you’re uncertain about your direction, this method can help you find a new way forward—even if you don’t consider yourself naturally creative.

“You need to find a new direction and new ways of doing things. And that's something that is extremely hard if you are not a creative person. With the Art Thinking method, I don't need you to be creative,” explains Bureau. “It's a kind of methodology to get people thinking or approaching problems or challenges in a new way.”

Art thinking isn’t about innate creativity—it’s a structured process that equips anyone with the tools to rethink and approach challenges from a fresh perspective.

A decade of creative experimentation—with innovative results

Over the past decade, Bureau has been refining the Art Thinking methodology through the Improbable Workshop, a platform designed to teach the method. "Participants face the unknown and create something improbable to change how they approach problems through art.”

As Bureau shares, Art Thinking transcends cultural and professional boundaries. “We've run it in 15 countries, across cultures, and with engineers, designers, managers, the French army, the Dutch police, and even special agencies—proving it works beyond expertise.” The Improbable Workshop has demonstrated its effectiveness in unlocking innovative potential.

By applying practical techniques—rather than relying on rare creative genius—Art Thinking provides a scalable method to navigate uncertainty and drive transformation. “In the corporate world, you need methods, not just creativity. By following these practices, you can produce the improbable and transform the way things work in your organisation,” says Bureau.

From rare creativity to scalable practice

Bureau’s approach reveals that innovation doesn’t require being naturally creative; it requires a structured methodology to learn and apply new practices. In an era where established methods are often insufficient, Art Thinking offers a strategic pathway for organisations to rethink their processes, embrace change, and deliver solutions that redefine the way they work.

For businesses looking to thrive in today’s dynamic market, adopting Art Thinking could be the key to unlocking untapped creativity and ensuring long-term success.

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