LG Group said Sunday that it will open a new research and development center within Silicon Valley, California, on Monday, aiming to maximize synergy among its tech affiliates and expand its North American presence.

With the new location in the U.S., the group said that it has completed R&D bases in all key markets, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

According to the group, the LG Technology Center of America will accommodate some 20 researchers from its tech affiliates including LG Electronics, LG Display, LG Chem and LG Innotek to study key areas such as handsets, display and batteries.

They are expected to focus more on developing new products such as 3-D TV based on its film-patterned retarder technology and the fourth-generation Long Term Evolution smartphones, of which sales are fast growing in the U.S. market.

“The new research center will play a leading role as an R&D hub for LG in the North American market while connecting LG affiliates for synergy,” said Lee Hee-gook, chairman of LG Technology Council.

“Situated at the center of Silicon Valley, the new facility will also pave the way for LG to seek partnership with other global companies and develop new future growth engine areas.”

The LG Technology Council, consisting of the group’s top executive officials, is aimed at supporting joint projects among affiliates and other R&D activities for the group’s new business areas.

Under the leadership of chairman Koo Bon-moo, LG Group has recently stepped up efforts to develop technologies through its global R&D network.

Its technology center in Russia specializes in robotics and optical science, while the facility in Israel focuses on mobile device software exclusively for Middle Eastern consumers.

In Germany, the LG center supports technologies for handsets and TVs targeting the European market, the group said.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)