Political Principles

Our political Principles

Bayer’s researchers maintain a constant dialogue with scientists at leading universities, as well as with customers and cooperation partners. The focus of this communication is on jointly addressing questions related to tomorrow’s challenges – fully in line with our mission “Bayer: Science For A Better Life.”

Bayer: Science For A Better Life. The promise that Bayer gives to society is to use science as a powerful tool to address the major challenges of our world. As an inventor company, providing new ideas and addressing unmet needs is our daily business. That is what we call innovation.

Our ability to supply innovative solutions also depends on the political framework in which we act. We think it is necessary and legitimate for us to participate in political debates and to communicate our political positions to the relevant decision makers.

Accepting our role as a socially and ethically responsible corporate citizen, we create benefits for the communities in which we live. Bayer is aware that a powerful tool like science needs to be used in a balanced way. Granting its benefits to society is just as important as ensuring that its risks are carefully managed. Our advocacy activities are conducted transparently (Code of Conduct), openly and in line with our Corporate Compliance Policy.

There are five areas in which our work is most affected by the political framework:

Innovation

Innovation
Bayer boasts the largest research and development budget of the entire chemical and pharmaceutical industry in our home country, Germany. We support political frameworks that foster innovation. Since providing new benefits to society must be rewarded, this includes secure knowledge protection worldwide. In Germany, Bayer advocates the introduction of a tax credit for R&D investments. » more

Social acceptance of technologies and products

Social acceptance of technologies and products
The welfare of societies is closely linked to the ability to develop and use new technologies. Bayer trusts in scientific research to determine the risks and benefits of technologies and products. It is in Bayer’s interest to provide safe solutions to today’s and tomorrow’s problems.
Investments in technologies and production facilities span decades, though, and cost millions if not billions. Stable frameworks which make it possible to plan on such timescales are therefore essential to Bayer. This requires a broad and general acceptance of safe new technologies within societies. » more

Sustainable healthcare systems

Sustainable healthcare systems
Societies all over the world are searching for new ways to organize their healthcare systems. The challenge is to keep costs under control while at the same time securing high-quality medical care and safeguarding the innovative strength of the pharmaceutical sector. As a pharmaceutical company Bayer has a view on how this can be achieved. » more

Energy policy & environmental protection

Energy policy & environmental protection
At Bayer, we recognize the scientific evidence indicating that man-made climate change is a fact. We also recognize the chemical industries’ responsibility as a major greenhouse-gas emitter. Bayer therefore strives to reduce its own emissions according to stringent reduction targets. More importantly, we believe that innovative products made by Bayer – such as materials for thermal insulation – can make a significant contribution to countering climate change.
Energy policy nowadays follows the need for environmental protection, e.g. in emission-trading schemes. We believe it is important that Europe retains energy prices that are comparable to other regions to maintain the overall competitiveness of the chemical industry. » more

Chemicals regulation

Chemicals regulation
Nearly all chemical products produced and traded by Bayer are registered according to such regulations as the European Union’s REACH legislation or the TSCA in the United States. Bayer acknowledges the importance of such legislation for the protection of human health and the environment and implements it accordingly. Chemicals regulation should be designed to be effective, but entail as little bureaucracy as possible. Bayer underlines the importance of a scientific approach to risk assessment. » more

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Last updated: February 14, 2012