MOSCOW — E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. has opened its first innovation center in Russia. The center, DuPont’s ninth globally, also is the company’s first in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

DuPont said the facility will focus on science-powered innovation related to food, construction, oil and gas, rail and automotive industries.

“The pace of research and development in emerging markets is rapidly accelerating,” said Douglas Muzyka, senior vice-president and chief science and technology officer. “Connecting our customers in Russia to our scientists around the world will help redefine existing products, open new market segments, and increase our rate of innovation.”

In addition to Russia, DuPont also recently opened innovation centers in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, India, Brazil, Mexico and the United States. Future plants are planned for Switzerland and Turkey in early 2013.