ESP: A needs-oriented approach for scientific English education

English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is one of the main approaches of English education for speakers of English as a foreign and second language. It has grown to be a prominent approach for teaching English to students and researchers of science and technology in the recent years. This paper describes educational innovation as a theoretical framework for higher education reforms and ESP. It then introduces ESP as an educational approach with its historical development, the key issues involved in ESP programs and curriculum design. The application of educational innovation theories and ESP is demonstrated with a case study of a Japanese university of science and technology. Practical aspects of the case study such as Needs Analysis, teaching methodology, pedagogy, assessment of students, course evaluation, teaching materials including textbooks and real-life academic sources is discussed. Innovative program management by English and science faculty members is reported.