The world's largest research think tank Battelle Memorial Institute has opened an office in Seoul.

In cooperation with domestic research centers, Battelle Korea will study high value-added technologies such as life science, advanced materials and alternative energy with an annual budget of 3.4 billion dollars.

The Science and Technology Ministry last year invited the U.S.-based institute to set up a Seoul branch.

Battelle President Carl Kohrt said Tuesday that he believes Asia will emerge as the world's next R&D hub within 25 years as it will receive half of the global research funds.