Vladimír Sojka
Academic/Researcher
Technical University of Liberec, Czech Republic
Email: vladimir.sojka@tul.cz
Webpage: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladimir-sojka/
Host Scholar: Dr. Cheng-Jung Yang
Hosting Department/Institution: Department of Mechanical and Electro-Mechanical Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University
Biography:
Dr. Vladimir Sojka is a researcher and academic at the Technical University of Liberec (TUL), Czech Republic. His primary field of research focuses on applying systematic creativity within industrial engineering.
He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and Production Systems. During his doctoral research, he developed a novel approach using the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) to effectively solve complex manufacturing problems and generate high-impact process innovations. His methodology has been successfully applied to real-world industrial challenges at companies, including Škoda Auto, Prusa Research, Preciosa, and UCT.
Alongside his academic tenure, Vladimír works as a Continuous Improvement Leader at Crytur – a global leader in synthetic monocrystal growing and a key supplier for electron microscopy, laser optics, and precise detectors. In this role, he drives strategic projects, delivers specialized training, and shapes the company's continuous improvement methodology.
Currently, Vladimír focuses on facilitating TRIZ-based problem-solving workshops across various industrial sectors to resolve chronic technical and physical contradictions in production.
Lecture [1]:
Date ＆ Time: 2026/11/19, 9:00 AM
Venue: National Sun Yat-sen University, Room EN3021
Title: TRIZ as a Problem-Solving Engine for Technical Challenges
Abstract:
Engineers and innovators frequently face complex technical bottlenecks where standard trial-and-error or conventional brainstorming fails. This lecture introduces the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) as a structured engine for overcoming physical and engineering contradictions. Attendees will gain insight into the mechanisms of technical creativity, learn how TRIZ differs from classical problem-solving approaches, and discover practical, easy-to-use tools that can be immediately applied to everyday engineering challenges.
The Takeaways:
- Limits of Classical Methods: Understanding standard problem-solving tools and their boundaries.
- Demystifying Creativity: What is creativity, how it works, and how to be good at it.
- Core Principles of TRIZ: Moving from trade-offs to eliminating technical contradictions.
- Practical Application: Easy-to-use TRIZ tools for fast, effective deployment on the shop floor.
- Industrial Case Studies: Real-world examples of solved engineering problems.
- Q&A & Discussion.
Lecture [2]:
Date ＆ Time: 2026/12/03, 2:00 PM
Venue: National Sun Yat-sen University, Room EC1001
Title: Systematic Creativity for Innovations in Production
Abstract:
While Lean and Six Sigma are exceptional for eliminating waste and reducing variability, they often hit physical limits when faced with deep-rooted technical contradictions. This lecture demonstrates how integrating the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) with industrial engineering principles bridges this gap. A step-by-step roadmap for systematic process innovation will be presented, accompanied by detailed industrial use cases showing how to resolve chronic manufacturing problems without high capital expenditure.
Key Takeaways:
- Lean & Six Sigma vs. TRIZ: Complementing traditional continuous improvement with inventive problem-solving.
- The TRIZ-Based Process Roadmap: A structured framework for diagnosing and cracking complex production issues.
- Resolving Process Contradictions: How to increase speed, quality, or yield without compromise.
- Real-World Case Studies: Practical demonstrations of the methodology applied in manufacturing environments.
- Q&A & Discussion.