The OSCE Network of Think Tanks and Academic Institutions was founded by more than a dozen research institutions during the OSCE Security Days on 18 June 2013. Its creation was preceded by in-depth discussions among the founders, delegations of participating States and OSCE institutions. The network was inspired by a proposal made by OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier in his inaugural speech in July 2011.
The inauguration session took place on 18 June 2013 at Vienna Hofburg.