The lecture begins with an explanation of the concept of innovation from the perspective of several researchers and experts, before moving on to analyze innovation itself and its main components. The lecture will examine how innovation can be encouraged within higher education institutions, as well as the impact it might have on these institutions. The lecture will also focus on the experience of Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) in fostering innovation and the most important lessons learnt from this experience. The lecture will end by explaining the Al Awar Index for Innovation in Higher Education, which determines and ranks the attitudes of higher education institutions toward innovation.