The Bamboo Thematic Network (BTN) is a three year project (2002-2005) approved and funded by the European Commission  within the 5th Framework programme "Confirming the International Role of Community Research". 

The project is an initiative of the Belgian company Oprins Plant.  BTN is a consortium of bamboo experts from 15 research institutions and private companies from Europe and Asia.  Each member of the consortium is specialized in a particular field of relevance to bamboo research and industry, and each is engaged in bamboo related activities. They have joined forces in the BTN project to identify ways of making the most out of current research and opening important pathways for further study. Their main task  involves integrating the goals of research and industry to determine strategies that enable cost-effective and environmentally sound implementation of research results for the sustainable development of bamboo resources and industries.  Their synergy will constitute a platform for valorising research results. 

The BTN project involves exchanging data and research materials and identifying knowledge gaps and future research needs.  The aim is to create a bridge between research and industry in order to consolidate knowledge and plan long term strategies for research in bamboo.

Whilst the BTN project will be funded by the European Commission for 3 years, the intention is to maintain the network indefinitely, and to enlarge it by including other interested partners in the future.