A Stream Coordinator leads each stream by considering applications by OWI members to join the stream, setting the research aims and objectives for the stream, ensuring that the research work plan is being achieved, acting as the chief point of contact between the stream and the Coordination Committee, and attending the Annual OWI Plenary meeting as a representative of the stream. Stream Coordinators are assisted by the Research & Stream Coordinator, who is part of the Coordination Committee. Stream members who actively participate in the stream's research are recognised as OWI Fellows and may apply to attend the Annual Plenary meeting. At the meeting, the representatives of the stream deliver an activity report, which becomes part of the OWI Annual Report.

Stream members keep in regular contact with each other, for example by meeting online, at regional meetings, or in other informal meetings. Each stream keeps in touch with other streams at the Plenary meetings and by producing two short newsletters for OWI members each year, describing its activities and developments in its field of research. The lifespan of each stream depends upon its output and the interest it generates within OWI. If a stream decides to dissolve itself, it is replaced with another stream working on a topic chosen by the original stream as a whole."

Current Streams:

Stream A - Free Trade & the Doha Development Round - Dormant
Stream B - Investment & Entrepreneurship in Poor Countries
Stream C - China & Global Governance
Stream D - Migration & Demographic Challenges
Stream E - ICT & Development
Stream F - Corporate Responsibility
Stream G - Global Financial Architecture
Stream H - Trade, Development & Environment
Stream I - Food, Water & Globalisation
Stream J - Globalisation & Marginalisation