Design Theory and Innovation management theory are commonly used in many industrial sectors, especially in highly competitive areas with also the presence of a high level of substitution. Nevertheless, these theories can be useful as well as a support to decision making in slower paced sectors, as railways. In this article the case study of various highly innovative projects in railways sector will be addressed, from the point of view of innovation management and design theory, using TRIZ and some derivatives as General Theory of Innovation (G. Yezersky). The systems under analysis are, respectively: High speed train TGV, 1st driverless metro VAL, tramway ground power supplying, intermodality solutions, Aerotrain, Personal Rapid Transit, Swiss Metro, Hyperloop.