About TRIZ

TRIZ (pronounced “trees”) stands for “Teoriya Resheniya Izobretatelskikh Zadach”, Russian for “Theory of Inventive Problem Solving.” It was developed by Genrich Altshuller, a Soviet engineer and inventor, in 1946 while working in a patent office in the USSR.

Altshuller analyzed over 200,000 patents to identify patterns of innovation. He discovered that most breakthroughs followed common principles and did not rely on random creativity. This led him to formulate a systematic approach to problem-solving based on patterns of invention.

TRIZ is built on key concepts such as:

• Contradiction resolution (removing trade-offs without compromise),

• 40 Inventive Principles,

• Ideal Final Result (IFR), and

• Evolution of technological systems.

Originally used in engineering and manufacturing, TRIZ has since been adapted for use in business, management, and innovation across industries.

Originally used in engineering and manufacturing, TRIZ has since been adapted for use in business, management, and innovation across industries.

TRIZ offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Efficiency: By streamlining processes and eliminating inefficiencies, TRIZ helps organizations optimize their operations and reduce waste.

• Increased Innovation: TRIZ encourages creative thinking and enables businesses to generate novel solutions to longstanding challenges.

• Improved Profitability: With better processes and innovative products, companies can reduce costs, increase productivity, and boost their competitive edge.

About Irving “Mr. TRIZ” Guerrero

Innovation Strategist | TRIZ Practitioner | Manufacturing & Quality Expert

Irving Guerrero, known as “Mr. TRIZ,” has spent over 30 years applying his deep understanding of systems and problem-solving to improve manufacturing processes and drive innovation. His journey began early, with a curious nature that led him to experiment with rockets and perpetual motion machines as a child. This curiosity carried him to the Philippine Science High School, and later to the University of the Philippines, where he earned a degree in Metallurgical Engineering in 1978, followed by advanced studies in Industrial Engineering and Business Administration.

Starting his career at Hooven-Comalco Ind. Inc. in 1978, Irving quickly became a key figure in the Ramcar Group of Companies, where he spent 36 years rising through engineering and management roles. As Vice President for Quality, Technical Services, and R&D, and later as General Manager of Philippines Recyclers, Inc., Irving led several successful projects, including the establishment of Evergreen Environmental Resources, Inc., the first advanced, environmentally safe battery recycling facility in Southeast Asia.

 Today, Irving is a Certified ISO 9001 & 14001 Lead Assessor, Conflict Resolution Mediator, and Quality Circles Trainer. He specializes in TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving), using this methodology to help organizations solve complex problems, enhance productivity, and drive innovation. His expertise spans:

• Manufacturing & Project Management

• Strategic Planning

• Problem Solving & Innovation Methodologies

• Quality & Environmental Management Systems

• Quality/Productivity Improvement Programs

Irving’s experience also extends to the healthcare sector, where he helps organizations streamline operations and improve patient care while maintaining operational efficiency. His work combines technical expertise with a passion for structured innovation, helping organizations achieve lasting, meaningful improvements.

Early Involvements

Irving worked closely with Non-Government Organizations as beneficiaries of the programs and initiatives he set up. Among them was ABS-CBN Foundations.

Other positions held

• Member of the Board of Advisers – Bantay Bata
• Committee Co-Chairman – International Green Lead Project
• Founding President – Quality Circle Practitioners Association
• President – Productivity Improvement Circles Association of the Philippines
• Vice-President and Director – Environmental Practitioners Association of the Philippines
• Technical Expert and Resource Person – Hazardous Waste Management and Recycling

Irving is also an avid golfer, having played the sport for more than half his life. In recent years he took up cycling. And most recently he has taken interest in culinary arts and has called himself a Filipino hobby chef.