The OSCE Network of Think Tanks and Academic Institutions is an autonomous OSCE-related Track II initiative. The Network’s members are research institutions from across the OSCE area engaged in academic and policy research on issues relevant to the OSCE agenda. Network members provide expertise, stimulate debate, raise awareness of the OSCE, address common challenges, and support OSCE dialogue formats, thereby contributing to comprehensive security in the OSCE area. The Network is neither an OSCE structure nor subordinate to the OSCE or its participating States. Membership is open to research institutions that are willing and able to contribute academic expertise and policy analysis on OSCE-relevant topics.
The Network is based on a proposal made by OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier in July 2011. It was created by 16 research institutions on 18 June 2013 at Vienna Hofburg. In early 2020, it passed the 100 member mark.