BEIJING - Accenture PLC, the international management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, expanded its global research and development capabilities with the opening of a new research and development lab in Beijing on Wednesday.

The Accenture Technology Lab, the company's first in China, will focus on research into emerging technologies and innovative ways to address the market needs and challenges of businesses in China and countries in the Asia-Pacific region, company officials said.

"The establishment of the lab in Beijing reinforces our commitment to serve businesses and government agencies in the region," said Li Gang, chairman of Accenture Greater China.

He declined to reveal the amount the company invested in the facility.

Beijing is the newest location in the Accenture global network of technology labs, which includes California, India, France and Washington DC.

The Beijing lab joins Accenture's network of more than 80 innovation centers around the world.

"The Beijing technology lab we're unveiling is focused primarily on developing practical innovations that are piloted and tested and can be implemented quickly by clients to improve business performance and outcomes," said Kevin Campbell, group chief executive of technology at Accenture.

"The move is also part of a continued effort to develop our global innovation and R&D capabilities."

Led by Kishore Swaminathan, the chief scientist, Accenture has recruited a local team of scientists and researchers.

Swaminathan said that one initial area of focus for the Beijing lab would be to explore how smart grid technologies could be used in China.

With a government mandate to reduce carbon emission levels by developing low-carbon technologies, smart grid development has become a national strategy.

The lab is already studying how advanced analytics and mass data processing could be used to help Chinese utilities develop a smart, flexible and strong electric grid, he said.