TRIZ theory and case based reasoning: Synergies and oppositions

A few years after TRIZ appearance in highly industrialized countries, many experts in Case Based Reasoning pointed out potential similarities between both approaches. Later on, research activities have been conducted and publications appeared on this subject. This paper presents the results of an in depth study of the roots of both approaches, from the point of view of their philosophy and the scope of their relevant action. After several tests and investigations, we arrived to the point that each approach weakens the other if any of the two let the other govern its conduction. The paper discusses this claim and provides some potential directions for new research in this area.