This invention relates to a novel trimerization catalyst system, and to a process for trimerizing organic polyisocyanates in the presence of thermally active catalyst systems. These catalyst systems comprise (A) compounds selected from the group consisting of (i) lithium salts of aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acids, (ii) lithium salts of hydroxyl group containing compounds wherein the hydroxyl groups are directed attached to an aromatic ring, and (iii) lithium hydroxide; (B) an allophanate catalyst; and (C) an organic compound which contains at least one hydroxyl group.