The National Institute of Science and Technology Policy (科学技術・学術政策研究所, NISTEP) is a national research institute established under the National Government Organization Act. Under the direct jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), it is engaged in the Japanese government's science and technology policy planning process. It is expected to ascertain government needs, cooperate with government agencies, and participate in the decision-making process (in English and Japanese).