The aim of this study is to understand how lecturers interpret pedagogical innovations when describing and thinking about their practices. In this study we analysed the project proposals of a large call for proposals in a French university and questioned the managers of funded projects about their conceptions of pedagogical innovations. Results show little theoretical guidance in designing innovations suggesting that practical objectives are the more important. Projects can be underpinned by one or more theoretical views; the most represented theorical view was constructivism.