The German chemical industry feels increasing competition from China in the field of research

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German media report that the head of the German Chemical Industry Association believes it is becoming increasingly difficult for German chemical companies to maintain their competitive edge in innovation; China replaced Germany as the world’s third-largest hub for chemical research back in 2013. 　　According to a report titled “China’s Rapid Progress in Chemical Research puts Pressure on Germany,” published on the website of Deutsche Welle on November 15, Wessel, head of the research and education committee under the German Chemical Industry Association, said in Frankfurt on the 14th that Germany’s chemical industry is facing increasing competition from China in the field of research. 　　He pointed out, \"Global competition puts immense pressure on our companies to innovate, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain our competitive edge in innovation.\" "According to information released by the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI), since 2014, China has developed more new chemical products than Germany, and it is now the second-largest exporter of chemical products after the United States. As early as 2013, China had replaced Germany as the world’s third-largest hub for chemical research. 　　According to a survey by the German Chemical Industry Association, by 2030, China’s spending on research and development in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors will account for nearly 15% of the global total, thereby overtaking Japan, which is currently in second place, but still remaining behind the United States. By 2030, spending on research and development in the United States will drop to 33.4% of its gross national product, while Germany’s investment in research will fall to 6.4% of its GDP. 　　Wisser, head of the German Chemical Industry Association and member of the Evonik board of directors, said that the association believes Germany will be able to maintain its status as the fourth-largest chemical research hub in the world. He said, \"I don’t think China is a threat, but it’s a tough task.\" "　　According to information released by the German Chemical Industry Association, in 2015 research funding for Germany’s chemical and pharmaceutical industry increased by 4%, representing an increase in expenditure of 10.5 billion euros; this figure accounted for over 5% of the industry’s sales, more than at any other time before. By 2030, this expenditure is set to rise to 16.5 billion euros. Most of this funding will be used for the research and development of pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals. Growth in these fields is expected to be greater than that in the basic chemicals sector. 　　However, Whithell pointed out that increasing investment in research funding alone is not enough. He believes it is necessary to promote research and development from a tax perspective, simplify approval procedures, strengthen cooperation with universities, and improve teaching facilities in the fields of mathematics and natural sciences.