This article introduces the five functions of the national innovation system(NIS). As one of social systems in the national level, the five generic functions of open system - production, boundary spanning, maintenance, adaptation, management functions - are applied to the NIS. The production function is the primary process, which produces innovative products and services of the NIS. The boundary spanning function is the function of procuring input and disposing the innovation output or aiding in these processes. Experienced R&D human resources, R&D funds, technology etc. are some of the components of the input of the NIS. The maintenance function is responsible for maintaining smooth operation and upkeeping the system in terms of various conditions. The adaptation function is to help the system change and adapt, and scan the environment for problems, opportunites, and technological developments. It has outward orientation, from the long-term view for the survival of the system. The management function carries out planning and control of the overall activities for the other four functions in order to effectiving run the system as a whole. Finally, this article discusses implications of the diagnosis of the national innovation system and the decision making process of S&T policy.