This paper is a theoretical-methodological foray into achieving sustainability in higher edu-cation institutions in Moldova. Innovation is analyzed as a fundamental source in achieving sustainnability given the importance of the innovation process in a higher education institution and the multiple benefits generated by the innovation process. Higher education institutions being true centers for creating new ideas, methods and techniques, require a continuous innovative process, which would ensure their sustainability and competitiveness. Innovation being a creative process is perfectly assimilated with higher education insti-tutions contributing to achieving sustainability. The purpose of this research is to conduct a theoretical-methodological retrospective of innovation as a source of achieving sustainability in higher education. The research methods used are: analyze, synthesis, induction, deduction, empirical research, qualitative research. In conclusion, we can mention that a higher education institution that claims to be competitive is obliged to innovate, generate and implement new ideas and methods that would help it achieve sustainability.