This report reviews the research and development (R&D) structures and practices for vocational education, training, and employment in the United States, Germany, France, Sweden, and England. The organization and management of each country's R&D system as well as R&D agendas and priorities are analyzed. General observations and implications for the setting of strategic directions for vocational education and training (VET) R&D in Australia are developed. Special emphasis is placed on the following: the role, governance, organization, management, and agenda of R&D; quality assurance; cost-effective use of resources; linkage of research, policy, and practice; and development of coherent policies for VET R&D. Appendixes include the following: a glossary of acronyms; the mission statement of the National Center for Research in Vocational Education, key issue areas of its research program, and Perkins Act requirements for its dissemination and training activities; information on the University of Pennsylvania's National Center on the Educational Quality of the Workplace, U.S. National Assessment of Vocational Education, and Centre d'Etudes et de Recherches sur les Qualifications; and the medium-term priorities of the German Federal Institute for Vocational Training and English Employment Department. (MN)