Basis", MLIT is unifying various essential technologies. In addition, MLIT is also resolving social issues through sophistication and is working on the promotion of “Social Technology” that recovers the livelihood of citizens.

Moreover, in order to make clear the direction of technology research and development, the “Technology Basic Plan (FY 2008 – FY 2012)” was formulated and technology research and development promotion is being carried out for realizing a society that MLIT is targeting.

## (1) Measures in research institutes and independent administrative corporations

The measures in research institutes and the MLIT administered independent administrative corporations performing research as its own business are shown in the table. The independent administrative corporations are equipping themselves with publicity, transparency and autonomy, and are fully considering the aim of operating the business appropriately and effectively. While further strengthening the cooperation with related institutions including from the private sector, research is being carried out intensively and effectively according to social and administrative needs respectively.

Projects conducted at major research institutions etc. in FY 2009

Research institutions etc.	Research description
Geospatial Information Authority of Japan	Conducting research and development that contributes to disaster prevention/environment: clarifying the mechanism of the crustal movement of the Japanese archipelago, upgrading the measurement criteria system/making the geospatial information spatiotemporal and its application, realizing a society highly utilizing geospatial information.
Policy Research Institute for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism	Conducting trend analysis and providing a long-term prospect for the social economy, and studying administration methodologies inside/outside Japan, for the purpose of contributing extensively to policy making in the land/transport field.
National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management	In order to contribute to the realization of a beautiful/safe/lively national land, researches on "Urban systems technology aimed at creating a society that utilizes Low-carbon and Hydrogen energy systems" "Conservation and Restoration of Estuary Environments" and "Implementation/control standards of infrastructural facilities taking chronological changes of effect/performance in to consideration" in and after FY 2009 in addition to existing research.
Meteorological Research Institute	Conducting research on clarification and projection of phenomena concerning weather/climate/earthquakes/volcanos/oceans: establishing evaluation methodologies for volcanic activities and conducting research on the detailed warming projection around Japan.
Japan Coast Guard	Conducting investigational research on equipment/materials used for maritime safety operations and also on scientific examination, and research on analyzing the condition of marine pollution of marine pollution, etc.

## Major research conducted in FY 2009 by independent administrative institutions governed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, which should principally conduct researching activities

Independent administrative institution	Research description
Public Works Research Institute	Conducting research and development to contribute to the efficient implementation of quality infrastructure and the development promotion of Hokkaido: "Advancement of maintenance technology for highway structures" and "Winter road safety and efficient use", etc.
Building Research Institute	Conducting research and development regarding housing/architecture and urban planning: Technology development for the low-carbonization of architecture/communities throughout the lifecycle" and "Technology development for maintaining the functionality/quick recovery of architectural structures after disasters", etc.
National Traffic Safety and Environment Laboratory	Conducting investigational research on the security assurance of land/air transportation and environment conservation: "Promotion of next-generation environmentally friendly vehicle development and commercialization" and "The practical and widespread use of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs)", etc. Performing conformity assessment for technology standards of automobiles. Performing technological verification concerning recalls.
National Maritime Research Institute	Conducting research on the security assurance of marine transportation, marine environment conservation, development of oceans and advancement of maritime transport: "Analysis of the cause of accidents at sea and study on preventive measures," "Development of technologies for reducing CO2 exhaust from ships" and "Research and development of floating offshore platforms", etc.
Port and Airport Research Institute	Conducting research and development for the realization of the formation of a safe and secure national land of comfort and a Lively society/economy: "Development of quantitative projection methods of changes on cross-section surfaces of sand shores with infragravity waves, return flow and nonlinear nature of waves in consideration" and "Development of deterioration projection systems for marine facilities based on the probabilistic methodology", etc.
Electronic Navigation Research Institute	Conducting research and development that liases with "More efficient use of airspace and its capacity enhancement," "Capacity enhancement of crowded airports" and "Improvement of safety and efficiency with risk control and advanced technology," focusing on the field concerning air transportation management.

## (2) Measures in Regional Development Bureaus

Engineering offices, and port and airport technology investigation offices are working together with the related offices in their own administrative areas, and are implementing the utilization and popularization of technology development and new technology dealing with regional issues such as materials for civil engineering and testing/investigating water quality, hydraulic experiments/design for effective/efficient implementation and the development of monitoring systems for environments, etc.