National Institute of Science and Technology Policy (NISTEP) was established in 1988 as a national research institute under the direct jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), based on the National Government Organization Act.

In 2013, NISTEP expanded its scope of work to include research on the promotion of academic activities and changed its name in Japanese. Through diverse research and analytical efforts on science, technology, and academia, NISTEP strives to promote effective and efficient development of science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy based on the principles of Evidence-Based Policy Making (EBPM).

At present, discussions are underway regarding the next Basic Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation. As part of its contributions, NISTEP produces basic reference materials such as the “Science and Technology Indicators,” which systematically capture the state of Japan’s scientific and technological activities using objective and quantitative data. It also conducts the “NISTEP TEITEN Survey,” a longitudinal survey of researchers and experts in academia, industry, and government to monitor changes in perspectives on the STI landscape. These outputs are utilized in policy formulation.

Additionally, NISTEP provides data that contributes to the policymaking on training and support of the next generation’s researchers as well as issues facing early-career researchers, including the career paths and employment status of doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows.

Moreover, NISTEP conducts research and surveys including the ones on R&D and innovation activities of firms to capture the status and dynamics of STI system in Japan from multiple perspectives.

As a national research institute, NISTEP will continue to work in close cooperation with administrative bodies and contribute, by providing data, to the advancement of Japan’s STI policymaking.

SHIOZAKI Masaharu
Director General
National Institute of Science and Technology Policy
(Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology)
July 2025