The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word INVENTIVE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
I
N
V
E
N
T
I
V
E
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does INVENTIVE mean?
INVENTIVE adjective- Of, or relating to invention; pertaining to the act of devising new mechanisms or processes.
- Possessed of a particular capacity for the design of new mechanisms or processes, creative or skilful at inventing.
- Purposefully fictive