Basic issues of change in higher education throughout the world and examples of innovations are discussed, based on the 1978 World Conference on Innovations in Higher Education. The following problem areas are addressed: access to higher education, the relevance of studies, flexibility and change within institutions, and efficiency and cost. About 18 case studies illustrating innovative responses are presented that pertain to delivery systems, new clienteles, innovations in the land grant tradition, comprehensive higher education, interdisciplinarity and problem focus, extension and national development, research, and the management of innovation. In addition to evaluating the innovations, their origin and development are described. The contributions of developed and developing countries are also addressed, along with a comparison of culture, economics, sociopolitical situations, and educational tradition. The case studies include distance learning systems, programming for new learners, agricultural and technical courses, professional programs, and interdisciplinary research. The agenda and topics of the conference are discussed in the appendix. (SW)