Colbert's model of innovation transfer which has shaped INRA's history is still instilled in the spirit of its people and institutions. Nevertheless, the social, economic and scientific context has been greatly modified. The aims, the partners and the goals of agricultural research have changed. Innovation channels which have remained diversified despite the influence of the dominant model have adapted themselves to these changes. The 12 case studies presented in this document are proof of the advances that researchers and their partners have made in the area of innovation (creation of endive hybrids - reflation of the Beaufort cheese industry - creation of Orylag - automatization of the "stripping" of bovine carcasses - sexing of bovine embryos - automatization of the cheese industry - selection of Lacaune sheep for Roquefort production - creation of colza hybrids - control of nitrogen fertilization - corn borer control - rationalization of ruminant feeding - modernization of the wine industry). This study of INRA's innovation practices will be of interest to all of those who wonder about the role of science in the development of modern society.