“Science For A Better Life” needs optimal overall conditions; after all, R&D is expensive. Research-based companies like Bayer that operate mainly in Germany have a locational disadvantage by international comparison.

• That’s is why we advocate greater support for corporate R&D efforts – for example by tax-based promotion. This should be introduced in addition to the current practice of direct project funding.
• We also believe that further reforms of the Genetic Engineering Act (GenTG) are necessary. 
• The protection of intellectual property, particularly in patent law, must continue.
   

Companies like Bayer need first-class universities and research institutes as scientific cooperation partners with direct links to research locations.

• Bayer welcomes the Federal Government’s decision to continue the Excellence Initiative. Excellence clusters create a critical mass that makes Germany internationally competitive.
• Furthermore, we need to create an internationally competitive working conditions for professors in Germany. Cutting-edge research to be rewarded in an appropriate and performance-oriented way. 
   

• New developments in technology, such as nanomaterials and biotechnology, can help us overcome such challenges as climate change or feeding the world’s population.  
• We want to continue the dialog between politicians, economists, scientists and society at large on the opportunities generated by new technologies in order to firmly establish an ‘innovation culture’ in society. This is the prerequisite for new, innovative products.  
•  It would also be desirable to further promote general scientific education – Bayer is making an important contribution here through its foundations.