NIMS is leading its efforts to address socio-economic challenges in line with the Japanese government's Fifth Science and Technology Basic Plan and serves as a core R&D organization for the "super-smart society (Society 5.0)" initiative.  It fulfills its responsibilities as a designated national R&D institute, as defined by the Special Measures Act, by producing most advances R&D results which lead to scientific and technological innovations.

In addition, NIMS is expected to provide strong leadership for Japan's innovation system.

To undertake these tasks, NIMS recently established the Program for Strengthening Innovative Materials Development, or M³ (M-cube), which serves as a global hub for promoting open innovation in collaboration with industry and universities.  Under this framework, many research organizations are joining forces to maximize their R&D results in the materials field.