A catalyst reduces the activation energy needed for reactions.  How does it do that? 

"In two ways:

• It forms bonds with one or more of the reactants and so reduces the energy needed by the reactant molecules in order to complete the reaction

• It brings the reactants together and holds them in a way that makes reaction more likely. When molecules come together in the correct orientation for reaction there is a big reduction in entropy.

• In other words, catalysts change the path of a reaction; they change its mechanism."

Hmm.  If catalysts reduce the energy needed to get a reaction going, and all spheres of human endeavor require speedy reactions in order for evolution to occur, we'd better be looking for catalysts in new places.  What's a "catalyst" for music?  Could it be rhythmic proximity?  What's a "catalyst" for economic growth?  (Let's assume catalysts are different from conditions, and worry about how to show that later.)  What's a "catalyst" for creativity online?

I'm on a hunt for catalysts.