OSA, an independent Dutch institute for multi-disciplinary labour market research was founded in 1983. The main mission of OSA is to collect and disseminate strategic expertise on labour market issues as a solid basis for policy preparation and policy evaluation. The focus of OSA is on applied labour market research.

As of 1998 OSA entered an alliance with Tilburg University and Utrecht University. This alliance aims at linking applied labour market research as conducted by OSA with fundamental labour market research conducted at both universities. The mission of this strategic alliance is to develop OSA into a both national and international centre for labour market issues.