This report outlines three aspects of research and innovation in higher education. First, the relevance of social science research methods to educational policy is discussed in relation to the bureaucratic and democratic distribution of power in higher education. Second, research and innovation are discussed and applied toward determining the proximate and ultimate goals of an educational institution. Finally, the influence of experimental research on educational processes is evaluated. Some research methods to explore these difficulties are outlined. Suggestions are made to make innovative research more enlightening by emphasizing its use in clarifying and identifying processes and procedures in education. Related documents are EA 002 410 and EA 002 536. (MLF)