(Yicai) Oct. 26 -- China stands as one of Bayer's most vital strategic pillars from both an innovation and market perspective, and a place where innovation can be translated into impact very quickly, according to Bill Anderson, Chairman of the Board of Management of the German life science giant.

Bayer will debut around 30 innovations at the ninth China International Import Expo, which kicks off on Nov. 5, Bill Anderson said in a recent interview with Yicai. The company aims to bring the latest innovations to those who need them, not only at the event but also to Chinese hospitals, pharmacies, farms and fields, and homes, he pointed out.

During the CIIE, Bayer can meet with local partners to explore future innovation paths, with such conversations continuing past the end of the six-day event, Anderson pointed out, noting that this helps the company not only improve its products, but also better serve Chinese patients, consumers, and growers. 

In addition, Bayer uses its platforms in China, such as the Bayer Co.Lab China in Shanghai, to connect innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners with its global network to jointly solve problems and create value worldwide, he noted.

Excerpts from the interview with Anderson are below:

Yicai: Bayer has participated in the CIIE for nine consecutive years. What keeps it coming back, and what does each attendance mean to the company?

Anderson: What brings Bayer back year after year is simple: the CIIE has become an inspiring platform for us to exchange, to listen, learn, and work with our partners. 

What I especially appreciate about the CIIE is that it brings together government, industry, researchers, entrepreneurs, and companies from around the world. 

Innovation starts with exchange, and the CIIE gives us that opportunity every year. The conversations we have here shape our thinking on innovation, partnerships, and investment. They help us understand how we can better serve patients, consumers, and growers, and where we can create the most value aligned with our company mission: Health for All, Hunger for None.

Yicai: From the first edition to the ninth, how has Bayer seen the role and value of the CIIE evolve?

Anderson: The biggest change is that the CIIE has become much more than an exhibition. When we first joined, it was primarily a place for bringing global innovation to China. Today, it offers a vibrant platform that helps turn innovation into real impact. I see that evolution in three dimensions.

First, "Global for China." The CIIE has helped companies like Bayer accelerate access to global innovations for Chinese patients, consumers, and growers. This year, for example, Bayer will make about 30 debuts at the CIIE, bringing the latest innovations closer to those who need them. What matters most is what happens after the six-day event ends, when innovation moves from the booth into hospitals, pharmacies, farms and fields, and homes.

Second, "China for China." At the CIIE, we sit down with Chinese partners and explore how we can innovate together. The best part is that those conversations don't stop after six days. They often grow into partnerships, investments, and innovation programs that continue after the exhibition has ended. Through these partnerships, we are bringing together global science and local insights to not only enhance our product offerings, but also foster a culture of innovation for impact to better serve the needs of Chinese patients, consumers, and growers. 

And third, "China for Global." We see exceptional talent, strong partners, and an innovation ecosystem that continues to push boundaries. Through platforms such as Bayer Co.Lab China, the Bayer E-Town Open Innovation Center, and CCIP (China Center of Innovation and Partnership), we are connecting China's innovation ecosystem with Bayer's global network and helping innovations developed in China, together with our local partners, create value around the world.

Yicai: What will Bayer bring to the ninth CIIE? What will be different this year?

Anderson: This year, Bayer will bring about 30 debut innovations to the CIIE. But what excites me most is what those innovations can do for people. At Bayer, we focus on some of society's most fundamental needs: improving health and contributing to food security. 

All three of our divisions will come together again to show how science can address real-world challenges for patients, consumers, and growers.

In Pharmaceuticals, we will showcase innovations across cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, oncology, ophthalmology, women's health, and precision diagnostics. The bigger story is how global science, local innovation, diagnosis, and treatment can come together to improve patient outcomes.

In Consumer Health, we will present innovative solutions in nutrition, maternal and infant health, skin care, and scalp health. What excites me is how insights from Chinese consumers are increasingly shaping innovation. Through the CCIP, we are connecting industry, academia, and research institutions to accelerate innovation and, in some cases, help ideas developed in China reach wider global markets.

In Crop Science, we will highlight innovations that help growers address practical challenges in productivity and resilience. Increasingly, we are moving beyond individual products toward integrated solutions, and toward systems tailored to the realities of Chinese agriculture.

Yicai: What role does China play in Bayer's global innovation strategy?

Anderson: From both an innovation and market perspective, China stands as one of Bayer's most vital strategic pillars. It is a place where innovation can be translated into impact very quickly. Whether it is helping patients with major diseases, supporting self-care, or improving agricultural productivity, China's scale and diversity help accelerate innovation and generate valuable learning for global markets. 

Kerendia is a good example. Chinese investigators played an important role in its global clinical development, and data generated in China contributed to global regulatory submissions. As a result, patients in China were able to access this innovation almost simultaneously with patients in Europe and the United States. 

So, "China Speed" is not just about moving faster. It is about creating more value from innovation and getting that value to more people, sooner. In Crop Science, we are also moving beyond individual products toward integrated crop solutions that combine products and agronomic services in a system to better address the evolving needs of Chinese agriculture.  

Meanwhile, China is becoming an increasingly important source of innovation within Bayer's global network. Bayer operates six R&D and innovation centers across China. Through platforms such as Bayer Co.Lab and CCIP, we are connecting innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners to solve problems together. 

What excites me is that innovation is increasingly flowing in both directions. We bring global expertise to China, and we are also helping innovations developed in China reach international markets.

Yicai: How does Bayer show its long-term confidence in China through investment, innovation, and collaboration?

Anderson: For Bayer, confidence is not something we simply talk about. We demonstrate it through action. Bayer is deeply committed to continuing to foster innovation and collaboration in China. 

Over the past few years, we have significantly expanded our innovation footprint in China. We have launched Bayer Co.Lab China, the Bayer E-Town Open Innovation Center, CCIP, the Bayer Danyang Innovation Center, and a range of other innovation initiatives.

Today, we operate six R&D and innovation centers and four supply centers across China. We have also built strong partnerships with leading universities, research institutions, startups, and industry collaborators. For example, we have conducted more than 110 joint research projects with Tsinghua University and Peking University.

But ultimately, investing in China is not simply about facilities, projects, or investment amounts. It is about investing in people, innovation, and partnerships. China offers one of the world's most dynamic innovation ecosystems, outstanding talent, and an increasingly enabling environment for innovation, and that is why we are confident that, by working with our Chinese partners, we can bring more scientific breakthroughs to patients, consumers, and growers, both in China and around the world.

Editor: Martin Kadiev