NISTEP Releases Latest Findings on Open Source and Data Practices Among Japanese Researchers
The National Institute of Science and Technology Policy (NISTEP), operating under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), has issued Research Material No. 357 titled “Brief survey on the use of open source / data in research activities 2026.” Released in June 2026, the report examines how researchers in Japan are incorporating open source software and open data into their work, offering fresh insights for universities and research institutions across the country.
This biennial effort builds on earlier NISTEP studies, including the 2024 survey on open research data and research data management. Those findings showed rising adoption rates, with 85.3 percent of respondents reporting experience obtaining open data, an increase of 14.3 percentage points from 2020. The 2026 brief survey continues this monitoring at a time when Japanese universities are strengthening data infrastructure and open science policies.
Context Within Japan’s Higher Education and Research Landscape
Japanese universities and national research institutes have long navigated the balance between traditional publication practices and emerging open science expectations. NISTEP’s work supports MEXT’s broader goals of enhancing research reproducibility and international competitiveness. The survey targets researchers affiliated with the Science and Technology Experts Network, providing a snapshot of practices at institutions such as the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Osaka University.
Open source tools and shared datasets are increasingly central to collaborative projects in fields ranging from materials science to life sciences. The report’s timing aligns with ongoing discussions at the Cabinet Office and MEXT about research data management (RDM) requirements for grant-funded work.
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Key Themes from Recent NISTEP Data Collection
While detailed 2026 statistics await full public analysis of the report PDFs available via the NISTEP repository, the series consistently highlights growth in open data use alongside persistent barriers. Researchers frequently cite journal policies as drivers for sharing, with supplementary materials in journal articles remaining a primary channel. Institutional repositories and code-sharing platforms also play growing roles.
Shortages of dedicated personnel, time, and funding for data curation continue to surface as challenges. Institutional evaluation systems have yet to fully reward data sharing and open source contributions, a point noted in prior rounds of the survey.
Implications for University Administrators and Faculty
University leaders in Japan are using these NISTEP insights to refine RDM training programs and repository services. Many institutions are expanding support for open source licensing education and data management plans required by funding agencies. The findings underscore the need for clearer career incentives that recognize contributions to open science alongside traditional outputs.
PhD students and early-career researchers stand to benefit from improved infrastructure, as open practices can enhance visibility and collaboration opportunities. Administrators are encouraged to review the full NISTEP report when planning faculty development workshops and library services.
Looking Ahead: Policy and Institutional Responses
MEXT and NISTEP continue to monitor trends to inform national science and technology basic plans. The 2026 survey arrives as Japan strengthens ties with international open science initiatives and prepares for updates to research evaluation frameworks. Universities that proactively address the barriers identified in these reports are better positioned to attract talent and secure competitive funding.
Further details, including the full Japanese-language report and English abstract, are accessible through the official NISTEP repository at hdl.handle.net/11035/0002000300.