Because it is necessary to consider the future of science and technology on a global scale, the IIS promotes international academic exchanges by conducting joint studies with foreign researchers and educational activities for international students. Programs are held with research organizations of various countries through international academic agreements, exchanges of academic information at IIS symposia, inviting foreign researchers, organizing colloquiums for the delivery of lectures by foreign scholars, and providing opportunities for the promotion of personal communication among individual researchers from other countries. The idea of appointing foreign members to the faculty and sending young Japanese researchers to other countries is encouraged.

There are support programs for researchers coming and going overseas. A short-term invitation program is offered to foreign researchers with various backgrounds. For sending researchers abroad, the Foundation for the Promotion of Industrial Science financially assists faculty members, technical support staffs and graduate students to attend international conferences or reside for research activities.