This document explains the VET Applied Research Developmental Framework, created as part of a project that explored how the vocational education and training (VET) sector could broaden its engagement in Australia's research and development (R&D) and innovation systems. Achieving this engagement will rely significantly on building the capabilities of VET educators and other professionals to undertake applied research and manage innovation projects. The sort of research the authors are talking about has a strong focus on solving real-world problems in industry. Such activity can create new knowledge, and/or use existing knowledge in new and creative ways; it can also contribute to the development of "specialist pedagogy for industry expertise" (Corbel et al. 2014), an important element in building a workforce capable of innovation. The project has concluded that a distinguishing characteristic of applied research in VET is the sector's potential to bring together research and innovation, with the dual aims of investigating industry's problems and bringing about change in the workplace. While research and innovation are not synonymous, the skills required to create and diffuse knowledge overlap. Both call for inquiry, reflective practice, communication and collaboration. These facets of activity underpin the framework and are explained in this report. Another feature of VET applied research is the close link between research and efforts to improve VET pedagogy. These endeavours can lead to innovative thinking, new teaching practices and training products, and ultimately more creative graduates. [For related reports, "Developing VET Applied Research: Steps towards Enhancing VET's Role in the Innovation System," see ED576661 and "VET Applied Research: Driving VET's Role in the Innovation System," see ED576660.]