We investigated Ag nanowire (NW) network embedded ITO films as potential near infrared transparent and flexible electrodes for use in flexible organic solar cells (FOSCs). By embedding Ag NWs network between very thin ITO films using simple a brush painting method, we achieved a flexible ITO/Ag NW/ITO multilayer electrode with a low sheet resistance of 11.58 Omega/sq, a high diffusive transmittance of 84.78%, as well as superior mechanical flexibility. The effective embedment of the Ag NW network between top and bottom ITO films led to a metallic conductivity, high near infrared transparency, and mechanical durability of the ITO/Ag NW/ITO multilayer. This indicate that embedment of the Ag NW network into thin ITO films is a key solution to solve the critical drawbacks associated with brittle ITO electrodes and Ag NW network films with weak adhesion. Furthermore, better performances of FOSCs with ITO/Ag NW/ITO multilayer electrodes than those of the FOSC with a conventional ITO electrode demonstrate that flexible ITO/Ag NW/ITO electrode is a promising alternative to conventional ITO films for high performance FOSCs. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.