Demonstration Site of the WUMM Social Network

Abstract:
en: We stand at a tipping point in society, which calls for innovative and transformative solutions capable of addressing the global sustainability challenges (e.g. climate change, loss of biodiversity, resource depletion). Circular Economy is increasingly seen as a promising approach to decouple resource consumption from value creation through business and product innovation. But how to ensure that circular innovations are systematically more sustainable? In this keynote speech, we will explore the potential of circular innovations to transform the world around us and lead to enhanced sustainability performance. The key challenges and potential sustainability gains will be discussed through a number of provocative examples focusing on a diverse set of innovation strategies. Throughout the argumentation, the participants will be invited to reflect on how to expand the TRIZ best practices towards circular innovation.

Abstract:
en: The keynote addresses Intellectual Property (IP) management and the best solutions and methods to protect the ideas coming from R&D activities. The topic is extremely relevant in the industry, as Innovation management plays a central and fundamental role in the development of new solutions, which can protected, for example by a patent, to have a competitive advantage against competitors. In particular, the speaker presents how IP Management can be used in juxtaposition with all phases of a problem-solving task driven by TRIZ. In this regard, it is highlighted how IP training during TRIZ classes is crucial and IP competencies of technicians is a must-be. In addition, the talk illustrates the concept of Design for patentability, its way of working, and the differences between various IP approaches.

Abstract:
en: The birth of TRIZ is traditionally attributed to Altshuller’s extensive work of analyzing patents. This took place decades ago before considerable technological progress was made. Some might challenge the universal validity of TRIZ principles and methods, as Altshuller’s efforts were spent in a specific geographical and historical context. Therefore, the question the speech focuses on is, what can be achieved from analyzing nowadays’ patents? Accordingly, the speech targets patents of companies mastering cutting-edge technologies, developing smart products, which feature contradictory innovative situations. In the selected cases, inventions are subjectively explained from TRIZ point of view. During the presented study, the speaker tried to understand which contradictions were resolved by inventors in given inventive situation, which inventive principles may be applicable, and which short-term trends or patterns of technological evolution were involved. Although some principles might have assumed more importance today, the general architecture of TRIZ seemingly endures technological and digital transformation. We can conclude that TRIZ is smart itself.

Abstract:
en: Text and speech are used as a key communication stream in discussions about health and well being. Text provides a rich context of an individual’s circumstances that can be used to support clinical decision making. Natural language processing (NLP) has repeatedly demonstrated its feasibility to unlock information described in free text efficiently and effectively. Recent developments in NLP have been facilitated by increased adoption of machine learning techniques. In particular, recent years have witnessed the greatest leap in performance following the arrival of deep learning. Human-like performance in a wide range of NLP tasks has opened the gate to its routine use in supporting health and well being based on a wide range of practical applications in healthcare such as the triage of patients, clinical decision support, further epidemiological and clinical research including pharmacovigilance. These applications share a common end goal of improving health outcomes and survival rates at either individual or population level. This talk will focus on the ways in which NLP can support innovation in health services and well being.