Abstract
The changing economic structure, the emergence of innovative technologies, the growing importance of sustainable development, social challenges, and the need to find new non-standard solutions have predetermined the need for a new type of professionals in the labor market. Consequently, new requirements are imposed on universities to prepare graduates capable of solving the problems of the innovative economy. The approach to developing academic excellence through the development and implementation of innovations is becoming a marker of the quality of education. Universities can ensure that graduates achieve learning outcomes only through innovative educational programs.The article analyzes the understanding of the concept of "innovative educational programs". The authors studied the interpretation used in regulatory acts, scientific publications. Based on the analysis of publications, they developed a classification of innovations in education. To clarify the understanding, a survey of educational program developers and top management was conducted, based on which the perception of the academic community was identified, and distinctive characteristics were formulated.