CIST aims to help formalise and organise the interdisciplinary field of territorial science in France and internationally, especially Europe by:
- Building the capacities of French research in Europe and the world in the domain of territorial sciences
- Encouraging education on research and through research
- Showcasing research in this field in France
- Coordinating and standardising action carried out in France in the field of territorial sciences, with a focus on team networks and developing shared infrastructures
- Fostering new research programmes and encouraging the creation of new teams
- Informing partners about each other’s programmes
- Taking part in coordinating and following partners’ studies
- Contributing to maintaining a connection with research programmes run by the European Union, EU member states and third countries
- Encouraging and supporting activities related to research on territories.