There is unprecedented worldwide demand for mathematical solutions to complex problems. That demand has generated a further call to update mathematics education in a way that develops students’ abilities to deal with complex systems. We need to make the mathematical experiences we include for our students more challenging, authentic and meaningful. Developing students’ abilities to work creatively with and generate mathematical knowledge, as distinct from working creatively on tasks that simply provide the required knowledge, is especially important in preparing our students for success in a knowledge-based economy.