This special issue focuses on the development of the 'Science of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy' in Japan. The objective is to foster and deepen the discussion over the future direction toward the development, as well as reviewing and collecting the related studies and efforts. This issue comprises of two volumes and three parts. Part I tries to illustrate the shape and future direction of the 'Science of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy', by reviewing the background and driving forces of this recent movement, as well as the efforts in Science and Technology Policy Studies and Innovation Studies which are expected to play central roles. Interdisciplinary efforts are necessary to build the 'Science of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy'. In Part II, the expected contributions from the major disciplines are discussed. A number of leading researchers in each discipline introduce relevant theories, methodologies and case studies in their fields, as well as the future prospects. Part III focuses on bridging science and policy. Issues and initiatives of various phases of policy formation process, which are required to make use of research results in the practice of policy formation, are discussed. In this volume one, one paper for Part I, four papers for Part II, from the viewpoint of economic theories, empirical economics, management and sociology, and four papers for Part III are presented.