This paper argues that industrial innovation, which is essential for development, can be planned and managed at the national level as well as in industrial organizations, and that the time has come to bring the benefits of research and professional discussions in the area of innovation to education and training programs for industrial information officers. Five propositions are presented as a framework for discussion: (1) industrial information officers (IIO) support the company's management in its search for new opportunities and in the planning, operation, and evaluation of innovation projects; (2) the role of the IIO is that of a partnership in the entire process; (3) the IIO is responsible for the assessment of the organization's information needs, services, and resources, and for selecting the right time and opportunity to introduce changes; (4) a Master's level course and a series of continuing education seminars are needed to prepare industrial information officers with a wide knowledge base for the above three roles; and (5) to place this education program in the forefront of developments, it should have a research component with the objective of exploring the information requirements of innovation projects. A brief literature review is followed by definitions and interpretations of innovation in personal life, in organizations, and at the societal level. The paper then discusses the dimensions of the innovative activity; innovation transfer; managing information for innovation projects; educational considerations; a proposed scope for an educational program; preparation for new responsibilities; and a draft proposal for a course. A six-page list of references is included. (THC)