A US institute will set up a research and development center in South Korea to turn the country into a leader in biotechnology, alternative energy and materials.

Carl Kohrt of Battelle Memorial Institute made the remarks Thursday in a meeting with Science and Technology Minister Oh Myung in Seoul.

In his blueprint "Battelle-Korea," Kohrt said the proposed R&D center will serve as the institute's stronghold in Northeast Asia.

Kohrt said the country should focus on biotechnology, materials and alternative energy to boost its global competitiveness.

The Columbus, Ohio-based think tank is the largest independent and nonprofit institute in the world.