In 1987, Iwate University started preparations to establish the Center for Cooperative Research and Development for regional and social contribution, utilizing the results of research done at the University. The Iwate Network System (INS) has focused on cooperation and personnel exchanges to promote joint research and develop science, technology, and new industries in Iwate Prefecture. INS’s ultimate goal is to activate personnel and information exchanges related to science, technology, research, and development within the prefecture. The INS, in its role as a supporting organization, has actively promoted joint research with local enterprises in close cooperation with the Center. As a result, the INS ranked eleventh in the number of joint research projects it has facilitated over the past twenty years in Japan, and the number of joint research projects with smaller local enterprises occupies about 60% of that total. In this way, the INS has steadily contributed to cooperation between the University and the local enterprises.

At the Council for Cooperation between Industry, Universities, and the Government in June 2003, the INS received an award from the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry. In September of that year, three INS members were included in the thirty-three persons selected as "persons who have made significant contributions to development of the local community" by the Cabinet Office. They were: Mr. Akira Iwabuchi, Professor of Functional Engineering in Frontier Materials at the Graduate School of Engineering, Iwate University, and Manager of the Research Center for Die and Mold Technology, Iwate University; Mr. Toshio Sato of the Center for Industrial Support in Hanamaki City; and Mr. Toru Aizawa from the Iwate Prefectural Office. They were made members of the "Association of People Who Have Contributed Significantly to the Development of Local Communities."

Professor Iwabuchi said with a smile, "The INS has been actively involving itself in publicity, using catchphrases such as "the association of people enjoying drinking and merrymaking" and "the association of people aiming for the Nobel Prize." Anyway, we are sincere and dedicated people who work hard at our jobs." At present, there are 38 research societies classified into fields such as new materials, new energy, geothermal energy, applied microorganisms/organic chemistry, space aeronautics, urban design, oceanography, sociology, local development, information systems, and many others. The INS is also engaged in research activities closely related to the local community such as the traditional die-casting technology, international industrial exchange, and local industries (traditional industrial crafts).

The INS started from a meeting of volunteers from industrial circles, universities, and local governments in 1987, and was established as a formal association with laid down regulations in March 1992. This is the result of positive activities by dedicated people including Professor Iwabuchi. He said, "The direct forerunner of the INS was ‘The Association of People Discussing the Future of Iwate,’ a voluntary group that formed spontaneously. Its motto was ‘do everything that makes us vigorous as much as possible and as soon as possible.’ Since 1992 when the INS became a formal association, it has been engaged in a variety of activities as a supporting organization in cooperation with the Center for Cooperative Research and Development at Iwate University."

For example, in order to spread and improve their knowledge of research and development in science and technology, the INS not only conducts research in specialized areas by organized research societies under the direction of lecturers at Iwate University and Iwate Prefectural University, but also conducts science classes for students at elementary, junior high, and senior high schools to stimulate their interest in science. The INS also promotes joint research and development activities and cooperation between industry, universities, and the government to encourage research and development by companies in the prefecture. The network is expanding through the medium of INS, not only within the Tohoku region, but also to the Tokyo and Osaka regions.

Professor Iwabuchi said, "Because the INS is an organization instigated by the University, it has the merits of being reliable, and it can maintain the human network established in the past because there is no personnel reshuffle at universities. Each member can freely express their opinions and join in activities, not as a member of an organization, but as an individual." Lecturers at the Faculty of Engineering at Iwate University run the INS secretariat, which administers to more than 1,000 members, including 900 individual members and 140 corporate members. Its 38 research societies are actively engaged in joint research with local enterprises. Setting their goal as contribution to the local community, Iwate University has played the role of a local think-tank, and made efforts to open its doors more widely. Such efforts have encouraged not only local industries and local governments, but also ordinary citizens to take part in cooperative activities.

In order to promote local industries and prevent deindustrialization, every company in Iwate is encouraged to break from convention and to establish a new structure that covers the whole flow from research and development to manufacturing. The INS proposes various large-scale research projects and promotes research and development in cooperation with local enterprises. These research seeds are based on the activities of the 38 research societies, with the INS itself forming the hub. In particular, to maintain the traditional die-casting industry, the INS has established various local consortiums including their "Research and Development for a Die-Casting Program for the Next Generation." As a result, in fiscal 2004, not only did ICOMES LABO Co., Ltd. become Iwate University’s first venture business, but the Research Center for Die and Mold Technology was also established, attached to Iwate University. Based on concrete goals and strategies, the INS has produced a series of remarkable achievements in venture businesses, new products, and patents. Furthermore, recognizing that increased employment and increased product shipments will promote the development of local industries, the INS helps people who have become unemployed due to business stagnation or the closure of local offices find new jobs. The INS has contributed in a variety of ways to the development of the local community.