April 1, 2025
The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST, as the “AIST Group,” which includes its subsidiary, AIST Solutions Co. (AISol), is engaged in science and technology R&D that contributes to Japan’s economic and social development, as well as the implementation of its research outcomes in society. This practice has continued for more than 140 years, dating back to the founding of the Geological Survey of Japan under the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce in 1882.
In recent years, we have been faced with numerous social problems. The world has yet to find solutions to global challenges such as climate change and natural disasters, environmental devastation, unforeseen outbreaks of infectious diseases, and international instability. Turning our attention to Japan, we find unavoidable obstacles in the form of energy and resource limitations, labor shortages accompanying a declining birthrate and an aging population, and aging infrastructures. On the other hand, there have been remarkable developments in advanced technology fields such as AI and quantum technologies, and fierce competition among countries for technological supremacy.
In light of the abovementioned factors, the expectation is for the AIST Group to do no less than confront these challenges, and continuously create innovations to enable the realization of a better economy and society. From April, 2025, We, AIST, have embarked on a 7-year, 6th Medium-To-Long-Term Plan. Within that, and as part of our mission to, “continuously create innovations that contribute to solving social problems and strengthening Japan’s industrial competitiveness,” we will target 3 social problems: energy, environment and resource limitations; coping with a declining and aging populations; and realizing a resilient society.
The AIST group aims to be the core of Japan’s innovation ecosystem, in other words, to drive the bidirectional cycle between R&D and social implementation while involving industry, academia and government, and continuously create innovations. In the 6th term, we will expand the scope of our activities to the social implementation phase by further strengthening our engineering, technical intelligence and marketing capabilities. Thus, in order to ensure these goals are met, we will operate over a longer medium-to-long-term target period than the previously instituted 5-year term.
For example, we have reorganized our R&D structure into one more suitable for building an innovation ecosystem . Specifically, the Research Strategy Planning Department, established in the 5th term as an R&D command post, has been expanded into the Research Strategy Headquarters, an organization capable of promoting R&D quickly and efficiently under a strong initiative . Here, seven integrated research centers are set up, each independent of the existing research departments. These cross-disciplinary centers will take on the challenge of social implementation by leveraging AIST's collective capabilities while strengthening cooperation with AISol.
AISol has to date implemented largescale joint research projects that contribute to enhancing corporate growth strategies and the expansion of business portfolios. In the 6th term, we will further expand the scope of joint research to include business cocreation with companies founded upon higher dimensional themes, such as strengthening industrial competitiveness and solving social problems. In addition, we will more strongly promote social implementation through businesses that create new value based on the AIST-cultivated, one-of-a-kind technological assets such as the AI-specific computational infrastructure, “ABCI,” and the inventory database, “IDEA,” and by strengthening our activities in the global market.
To create innovation continuously in the face of Japan’s drastically declining population, it is necessary to enhance the research and technological capabilities of each and every individual. It is people who keep the innovation ecosystem going, and thus, people are power. The AIST Group will continue to focus on human capital, including the implementation of unique programs that are open to those inside and outside AIST, and contribute to the development of innovative human resources who will be responsible for Japan's future.
The AIST Group will further enhance its value in the 6th term, and continue striving to be an organization that is sought after by society.
In line with our vision to, “Create the Future, Collaborate Together,” we will continue to take on the challenge of creating the future with you.
We appreciate your continued support.
ISHIMURA Kazuhiko
President and CEO
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology