Despite global economic uncertainties, Bayer plans to further strengthen its innovation presence in China. Oelrich described the Chinese pharmaceutical market as "a strategic priority" and said the company is continuing to expand capabilities across the entire value chain, from early-stage research to clinical development and patient access.

Key initiatives include Bayer Co.Lab China in Shanghai and the Bayer E-Town Open Innovation Center in Beijing, both designed to connect local innovation with Bayer's global development network. The company has also launched Bayer Co.Lab AdVenture, a program linking startups with investors and Bayer's international R&D resources.

"Our approach is very clear: combine China's speed and innovation capabilities with Bayer's global scale and experience," Oelrich said. "That is how we improve productivity and ultimately deliver better solutions for patients."

Oelrich stressed that innovation capabilities in China have become a strategic pillar of Bayer's global innovation agenda.

"We see China not only as one of our most important markets, but increasingly as an innovation engine feeding directly into our global pipeline," he said. "Innovation here is increasingly developed with global impact in mind."

Looking ahead, Bayer expects China's biotechnology ecosystem, leading academic institutions, clinical research capabilities and digital strengths to play an even larger role in advancing healthcare innovation worldwide.

"If we want to remain at the forefront of our industry, we need to be where innovation happens," Oelrich said. "China is clearly one of those places, and an increasingly important one."